 Until the 1920s, despite local tradition, and the reference in Thietmar's chronicle associating it with Gero, it was thought to be at least a century later in date, and it is indeed innovative for its date.The dating was confirmed by dendrochronology in 1976, ending the controversy.Contrary to long-held tradition, the studies in 1976 revealed that there is no space in the back of the head to place relics.