Browse Items (32 total)

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 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…

This figural sculpture presented is possibly representative of two mythological Gods from the Greek antiquity, Dionysius or Pan. Dionysius is known as the God of fertility and wildlife but also wine. Pan is known as the God of flocks and pastures…

This ewer, or a washing vessel, was typically used in either a domestic or liturgical setting. The setting in which the ewer was used is currently unknown considering the figural elements. Drawing from either the secular or religion world, it…

This 12th-century Byzantine illuminated lectionary contains readings from all four Gospels (John, Matthew, Luke, and Mark) arranged in the order in which they would be read in church services throughout the liturgical year. This lectionary is divided…

This Menologion fragment, written in Greek using gall ink on parchment, has been rebound in a 19th century cover. A menologion was a book used to honor the saint or saints honored with a feast on any given day. This one contains Homilies of three…

Inscription:
[θε]οῦ προνoίᾳ Ε̣[ὕρε=
το?]ς πρεσβύ(τερος) κὲ ἔποικος
μετὰ τῆς συβίου κὲ τέκν=
ων μου ἀνενέωσα τὸ
πρόναον τοῦ ἁγιάσ=
ματος ἐκ τῶν δωρε=
ῶν τοῦ θεοῦ.
וארטאס עשה
תפּלות שלום
Translation:
(Greek) Through the providence of God,…

The body of this light green jug was free-blown, while the handle and other decorative threads were added by hand. This glass jug was excavated from Beth Shean in present-day Israel. This object was found in the North Cemetery IV, Tomb 207, along…

Rings were a very common form of personal adornment within the Byzantine Empire. They would be a means of conveying the wealth and/ or faith of the wearer. While this particular gem ring doesn’t have any identifiable imagery, it does contain text…

Three fragments of an 11th century manuscript from about 1040 -1099 CE, roll of the Liturgy of St. Basil in the Byzantine Rite of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Probably found in Berat, Albania. Two of the fragments share a border. Text is missing…