Karabük University
The discovery was made in a building in Hadrianopolis that would have been used for military purposes, suggesting that the amulet belonged to a soldier.
Turkish archaeologists have discovered a rare 5th-century Christian pendant in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city in modern-day Edirne.
The bronze artifact, which depicts King Solomon on horseback thrusting a spear into the devil, is the first of its kind found in Anatolia, a region that encompasses much of modern Turkey. The pendant, which is believed to have served as an amulet for protection against evil, it features ancient Greek inscriptions on both sides.
On one side of the pendant you can read: “Our Lord defeated evil”, next to a representation of King Solomon. The verse contains the names of four angels: Azrael, Gabriel, Michael and Israfil, explains the .
Ersin Çelikbaş, an archaeologist at Karabük University who led the excavation, described the artifact as a symbol of “religion and power”. Its design highlights Solomon’s importance to Christianity, Judaism and Islam, underlining his multifaceted role as a biblical ruler, prophet and spiritual figure.
The pendant was discovered during excavations at Hadrianopolis, an ancient city initially established by the Thracians and later rebuilt in 124 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian. The site is known for its animal mosaics and a variety of structures, including spas, churches and fortifications. The artifact was found in a building potentially linked to military activity, suggesting it may have belonged to a cavalry soldier.
The pendant’s 5th-century dating is in line with the prominence of Hadrianopolis in the Byzantine Empire, which emerged after Emperor Constantine divided the Roman Empire in 330 AD. Çelikbaş highlighted the broader implications of the discovery, referring to the existence of a pendant similar previously discovered in Jerusalem. This fact suggests Hadrianopolis’ status as an important religious center during his time.
Currently under study in Çelikbaş’s laboratory, the pendant will eventually be displayed in a museum.
