Archaeology & History

'Beardless Jesus' discovered in Spain

By T.K. Randall
October 6, 2014

Image: Jesus Christ Figure in London
Credit: WbgArchives / CC BY-SA 3.0 (adapted) The artifact, which is made of glass, was discovered by archaeologists near the southern Spanish city of Linares and is believed to have been used during early Christian rituals to hold Eucharistic bread as it was consecrated.

The 22cm wide plate was broken in to fragments but the team was able to successfully reconstruct it. Around 81% of the pieces were recovered, more than enough to reveal the artwork on it.The image shows Jesus along with two of his apostles, most likely Peter and Paul. The depiction of Christ is particularly unusual because it shows him without a beard. He also appears to have abnormally short hair and is wearing a philosopher's toga.

Close-up photographs of the plate and the artwork on it can be viewed - here.

Source: BBC News

Tags: Jesus