description Titulus Crucis Overview
The Titulus Crucis is an ancient Roman tablet bearing the Latin inscription “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” – Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews. It’s considered a passion relic, believed to be the wooden placard inscribed above Jesus Christ on the True Cross during his crucifixion. The basilica in Rome holds it as a significant Christian artifact. It is valued by Roman Catholics and scholars studying early Christianity and the veneration of relics.
insights Why this score
Titulus Crucis ranks #161 of 643 in the Relic ranking, behind Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, ahead of Tara Statue.
help Titulus Crucis FAQ
Where is the Titulus Crucis displayed in Rome?
The wooden tablet is kept in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome. It is preserved in a protective glass case above a side altar dedicated to the relic.
What language is inscribed on the Titulus Crucis?
The relic features letters written in three languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. The inscription translates to 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,' which matches the biblical description of the placard placed on the cross.
Who is credited with discovering the Titulus Crucis in the Holy Land?
According to Catholic tradition, the tablet was discovered by Saint Helena during her famous excavation of Christian sites in Jerusalem. She reportedly found the placard around 326 AD alongside pieces of the True Cross.
Have scientific tests been conducted on the Titulus Crucis?
Yes, in 1997, carbon dating analysis was performed on a small piece of the wooden tablet. The results indicated that the wood dates back to between 980 and 1140 AD, leading secular historians to suggest it is a medieval replica rather than a 1st-century artifact.
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