'Ancient' Christian amulet declared a fake

[emad]

The discovery of the tiny silver cross in a fourth century Christian burial site was hailed as one of the archaelogical finds of the century.
By Richard Savill
18 Sep 2008


A replica of the cross was worn around the neck by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey as a symbol of his office.

But the cross, which was found in a grave within the area of the small Roman city at Shepton Mallet in Somerset, is almost certainly a fake.

Scientists at Liverpool University, who conducted tests using new technology, have concluded that they are "99 per cent" certain the cross or amulet does not date from Roman times.

----------------------------

It now appears the jewellery may have been crafted by an amateur silversmith as one theory is that it was planted in Shepton Mallet by opponents of a warehouse development who wanted to give greater significance to the site.


Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

[davidinalameda]

1. link?

and who really cares about this?

[emad]

7. I thought it was poignant that an ex Archbish of Canterbury wore a

replica of the hoax artifact!

Kinda double whammy for all those who reckon the actual Cross is a preposterous hoax in the first place.

[semillama]

2. yes, link please

I'm interested in reading the whole story. This sort of thing (salting artifacts is what it's known as in my profession) is unfortunately more common than it should be. Worse, what's even MORE common is the removal of artifacts before investigations in order to make a site seem LESS significant...

[Ian David]

3. Sounds like the hoaxers watch Scooby Doo. n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Link here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/2982490/Ancient-Christian-amulet-declared-a-fake.html

[Ian David]

5. I found the link- 'Ancient' Christian amulet declared a fake

'Ancient' Christian amulet declared a fake
The discovery of the tiny silver cross in a fourth century Christian burial site was hailed as one of the archaelogical finds of the century.



More:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/2982490/Ancient-Christian-amulet-declared-a-fake.html

[emad]

6. Oooops, sorry, here it is:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/2982490/Ancient-Christian-amulet-declared-a-fake.html