Discovered: Ancient Relic Box, Possibly Solving Centuries-Old Enigmas for Archaeologists

In the year 2019, archaeologists made a significant discovery during excavations at a hilltop site in the municipality of Irschen, Austria. They unearthed a rare ivory pyx and marble shrine from a 6th-century abandoned church, a find that has since captivated the interest of scholars worldwide.

The pyx, measuring around 20 by 30 centimetres, was found within the marble shrine, buried beneath the altar of the abandoned church. The ivory for the pyx originated from elephant tusks, typically sourced from African or Asian elephants, while the marble of the shrine likely comes from a Mediterranean quarry, commonly used in historical religious artifacts.

The pyx's decoration depicts a series of biblical figures, starting with Moses on Mount Sinai and ending with a depiction of Jesus Christ's Ascension in a two-horse chariot. This unique biblical imagery sets the pyx apart, as only around 40 such ivory boxes are known worldwide.

The archaeological site at Irschen was a hilltop settlement inhabited by settlers who practiced Christianity. However, the Battle of Aguntum, which took place not far from the Irschen settlement in 610 AD, marked a turning point that ended the region's affiliation with Christianity. The victory in the Battle of Aguntum was for the Slavic army, which "marks the end of the region's affiliation with the ancient Mediterranean world."

After the battle, the Slavic settlers brought their own world of gods with them. It is believed that the settlers may have been Baiuvari, and they may have abandoned the hilltop settlement around 610 AD, possibly removing any relics the pyx may have contained.

The archaeological team, led by Gerald Grabherr, is conducting ongoing analysis to trace the origins of the ivory, marble, and wood used in the pyx and shrine. They are also working on a 3D reconstruction of the pyx to better understand its original form.

In addition to the pyx and shrine, the archaeological discovery at Irschen includes other artefacts from the 6th century, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited the region during that time. The team is hopeful that further analysis will reveal more about the history and significance of this remarkable find.

Discovered: Ancient Relic Box, Possibly Solving Centuries-Old Enigmas for Archaeologists