Browse Items (32 total)

This bronze door knocker features a hollow lion's head. Surrounding the lion’s head are nine knobs radiating outwards. Possibly made in Constantinople between the years 300-1100 CE, the door knocker was found on the Island of Cyprus. It is pierced in…

Solidi were the highest denomination of coins in the sixth and seventh centuries in the Byzantine Empire. Made of gold, they were used to make substantial payments like a year’s taxes or a purchase of a manuscript. This solidus shows the Emperor…

This ring of St. Nicholas was most likely created during the 13th century, and it was created in a way to make it look like it was the gemstone jasper. This ring came to the museum along with many others as part of a gemstone collection that…

This textile furnishing was found in Egypt in a burial context, alongside many other tapestry fragments. Originally used as a wall hanging, this piece was likely manufactured in a workshop where textiles of a similar nature were made. It was…

This marble capital features the Archangel Michael holding a scepter and orb. The winged angel can be identified by inscription on the left side of the abacus (the upper portion of the capital). The sharp edges indicate it was probably found in the…

This pair of Kolti were hollow pendants to allow for perfume to waft from the wearer. They were hung over the heads and attached to strings of pearls on nobles in Byzantium. Made to look symmetrical, koltis were intended to hang on both sides of the…

This ivory scene of the Crucifixion has Jesus being crucified as the center piece. On his left is his mother Mary and on the right is Saint John the Evangelist. Under his feet are three soldiers casting lots for Christ’s cloak. Below the soldiers the…

The mathematical tables pictured here are most likely from a Christian community and school in Fayyum, Egypt during the 6th or 7th century. The numbers are written in Greek, demonstrating that a student was practicing his or her division tables. The…

This ivory fragment is thick and conical, due to the natural curve of the elephant tusk from which it is carved. The high relief creates extreme shadows and contrast between the warrior and the background. Although the ivory is worn, the warrior’s…

A personification, Roma or possibly Athena, is depicted on this bracelet made of gold. No matter her identity, the presence of a goddess on jewelry in the fifth century shows the continuing impact of pagan culture on the Byzantine world of late…