Early Christian Bronze Ring, Eastern Roman - Byzantine
Circa 10th – 12th Century AD
A fine bronze ring. This ring’s bezel shows a stylized relief design of a standing saint with arms raised in prayer ("orans"). The ring is well constructed with fluted side bands. Original dark age oxidation provides a pleasing surface effect.
Romans nailed the worst of criminals to crosses, resulting in the cross being synonymous with shame until Christ’s crucifixion. Since then it has become a symbol of Christian faith. During the Byzantine period it was common to wear plain, decorated or stylized crosses as badges, rings, or around the neck. The crosses were made of bronze, pewter or lead alloy and are some of the earliest forms of Christian symbolism available. Representations of saints were less common until after the Iconoclastic Era (8th - early 9th Century AD).
Diameter: 24 mm – 15/16”
Size: 10 ½ - 11
