The mention of Saint Titus mitigates towards the rise of the cult of the saints in the later 4th century. A specific and late (at least 4th century) text "The Acts of Titus" may also form part of the chronological considerations for this amulet.
However, the article referenced also mentions the following:
It seems a sensible and scientific approach would include the radiocarbon C14 testing of the bones which formed part of the skeleton of the man wearing the amulet. The amulet of course could theoretically be a hand-me-down but at least the scientists in the radiocarbon labs could tell us when that man lived.
The Acts of Titus
Only recently translated to English, this text is considered by many to "deliberately imitate the Leucian Acts". I consider this NTA text to be a satire. In the text the Christian religion is implemented by imperial control in Crete. Titus is the Apostle to Crete and in the narrative Barnabas raises Paul from the dead at the Pisidian Antioch.
Only recently translated to English, this text is considered by many to "deliberately imitate the Leucian Acts". I consider this NTA text to be a satire. In the text the Christian religion is implemented by imperial control in Crete. Titus is the Apostle to Crete and in the narrative Barnabas raises Paul from the dead at the Pisidian Antioch.
- The institutional form of commission is brought to perfection in this text, which projects the positive reception of Christianity by the Greco-Roman higher class back to the lifetime of Jesus, and presents the introduction of a new cult as the concern of the political establishment of that age. Commission becomes political fiction when the Roman proconsul sends an envoy to Palestine to learn from Jesus, or a Christian sanctuary is built from imperial money under Trajan.
--- [Czachesz, István, Acts of Titus]
However, the article referenced also mentions the following:
One grave in particular came into focus: the skeleton of a man was found in number 134, together with grave goods, an incense chalice and a jug made of fired clay. But the special extra lay under the man's chin: a small silver amulet, a so-called phylactery, which he probably once wore on a ribbon around his neck. Such a phylactery is a container worn on the body that contains magical contents or (in later times) relics and is supposed to protect the wearer.
It seems a sensible and scientific approach would include the radiocarbon C14 testing of the bones which formed part of the skeleton of the man wearing the amulet. The amulet of course could theoretically be a hand-me-down but at least the scientists in the radiocarbon labs could tell us when that man lived.
Statistics: Posted by Leucius Charinus — Wed Dec 11, 2024 9:00 pm