Renowned Bishop’s Bones Discovered in North-West Spain
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists believe that a set of ancient bones found in north-west Spain almost 70 years ago may belong to the renowned Bishop Teodomiro of Iria Flavia. Bishop Teodomiro’s devotion to St. James the Apostle is said to have paved the way for the Camino de Santiago path, a popular pilgrimage route taken by countless footsore pilgrims over the past 12 centuries.
According to historical sources and oral tradition, Bishop Teodomiro of Iria Flavia made a remarkable discovery in the early ninth century. He is said to have found the remains of St. James, who was martyred in Jerusalem between the years AD 41 and 44, in an abandoned cemetery in what is now the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela. Teodomiro’s revelation came after days of fasting and meditation, with some help from a visionary local hermit.
Legend has it that St. James’s remains were transported to Galicia by two disciples in a boat led by angels, and buried in a field. This discovery prompted King Alfonso II of the neighbouring Asturias region to lead his court from Oviedo to Santiago, marking the first Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and establishing the Primitive Way. Since then, millions of pilgrims have followed in their footsteps and traveled to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral.
Debate Over Bishop Teodomiro’s Existence
For years, there has been debate over whether Bishop Teodomiro actually existed. The discovery of an inscribed tombstone referring to the bishop in 1955 seemed to confirm his existence, as archaeologists found the bones of an old man beneath it. However, a few decades later, another group of researchers concluded that the bones belonged to a woman interred in a different tomb, casting doubt on Teodomiro’s identity.
A recent examination of the remains using osteoarchaeological analysis, radiocarbon dating, multi-isotope analysis, and DNA testing has shed new light on the subject. Led by Dr. Patxi Pérez-Ramallo of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the study has provided evidence suggesting that the bones are likely those of Bishop Teodomiro after all.
The team’s analysis revealed that the remains belonged to a thin, elderly man who likely grew up in the area around Santiago de Compostela. His diet, low in animal proteins, aligns with monastic rules limiting meat consumption. Pérez-Ramallo expressed confidence in their findings, stating that there is a “98% likelihood” that the bones belong to the bishop.
Significance of the Discovery
The researchers believe that the identification of Bishop Teodomiro’s remains will have significant implications for the history of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, Europe, and Catholicism. They assert that Teodomiro’s role as the discoverer of St. James’s tomb is crucial to the phenomenon of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
“This information will contribute directly to the conservation of the remains and promote a special place of worship in the Cathedral of Santiago,” the researchers stated in the journal Antiquity. “Teodomiro represents a significant figure not only for the history of Santiago de Compostela but also for Spain, Europe, and Catholicism.”
In conclusion, the discovery of Bishop Teodomiro’s bones in north-west Spain offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and the enduring legacy of St. James the Apostle. This remarkable find not only confirms the existence of a key historical figure but also enriches the spiritual experience for pilgrims visiting Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral.