In Bulgaria, archaeologists during excavations in an ancient fortress near the city of Veliko Tarnovo discovered the first of its kind golden crucifixion of Christ, dated to the XII century.
According to Archeology in Bulgaria, the find was made while exploring the ruins of a recently opened medieval church. Archaeologists have discovered the so-called encolpion - a small cross-shaped ark with the image of Jesus Christ.
Particles of a consecrated prosphora or the relics of saints were usually placed inside. The find is dated to the XII century. Bulgarian scientists claim that it is the first of its kind. The artifact is made of solid gold.
It was found behind the altar by an archaeological team led by Professor Konstantin Totev. Pieces of wood were found inside the encolpion. Scientists believe that they were passed off as particles of the Holy Cross, on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
It is technically impossible to verify their authenticity. It is believed that all of the wood pieces used as relics in medieval Eastern churches were obtained from pieces of the Holy Cross.
In the Middle Ages, it was customary to keep such relics in churches. Analysis showed that the artifact was made at a time when Bulgaria was still part of Byzantium.
It is noteworthy that the church itself was built only in the XIII century, that is, a century after the manufacture of a unique crucifix.
Denis Peredelsky
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