Unearthed Ancient Relic: A Venerated Chest, Holding Secrets Spanning Centuries, Discovered by Archaeologists
In the small Austrian town of Irschen, archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable find: a 6th-century ivory pyx and marble shrine, abandoned in a long-forgotten church. This discovery, hailed as one of the most significant in recent years, sheds light on a pivotal moment in the region's history.
The pyx, one of around 40 known worldwide, is adorned with unique biblical imagery. A depiction of Moses on Mount Sinai and a rare portrayal of Christ's Ascension in a two-horse chariot can be found on its surface. The decoration draws a connection from the biblical figures of the Old Testament through to what the team believes is a depiction of the Ascension of Christ.
The pyx was found within a marble shrine that was buried beneath the altar of the church. Fragments of wood were discovered with the pyx, and the team is intrigued by its age and type. They suspect it may be the relic the pyx was intended to protect.
The year 610 AD is considered a turning point in the history of the region. Around this time, the Battle of Aguntum took place between a Slavic army and Baiuvari armies and settlers. The Slavic army's victory marked the end of the region's affiliation with Christianity and the ancient Mediterranean world, leading to the Slavic settlers bringing their own pagan beliefs to the region.
The team, led by Gerald Grabherr, is working on a 3D reconstruction of the pyx due to its deformed state. They are also conducting ongoing analysis to trace the origins of the ivory, marble, and wood used in the pyx and shrine, which may even be a relic tied to the True Cross.
Ulrike Tochterle, who heads the restoration workshop in Innsbruck, is leading the analysis of the ivory, marble, and metal components of the pyx and shrine. The ivory used for the pyx originated from Africa, and the marble forming the shrine came from northern Italy.
The Cross of Wales, a relic believed to be a part of the True Cross, was recently gifted by Pope Francis to King Charles III. This discovery in Austria, while not tied directly to the True Cross, shares a similar historical significance.
Michael Natale, News Editor for the Hearst Enthusiast Group, with a focus on historical periods and archaeological digs, expressed his excitement about the find, stating, "This discovery provides us with a unique insight into the region's history during a time of significant change."
As the team continues their analysis, they hope to uncover more about the pyx's origins, its potential relic, and the story of the abandoned church in Irschen. The discovery of this rare 6th-century ivory pyx and marble shrine promises to reveal more about the region's past and the transformative events that shaped it.
