Silver Ring with Christian Inscription
Eastern Roman - Byzantine, Circa 8th – 9th Century AD
A very fine quality silver ring with a circular face set atop a high tapered bezel. The band has angled faces and triangular extensions at the shoulders. Notably the face is engraved with a Christian inscription “IHC/ΘV” representing Christ God. This ring is from the 8th-9th century iconoclastic period of Byzantine history, when the use of religious images or icons was opposed by religious and imperial authorities within the Eastern Church and the temporal imperial hierarchy.
Excellent wearable condition with light patina.
Byzantine lives were centered on an ordered Christian hierarchy offering salvation through Christ. By the 5th and 6th centuries the cross replaced the Chi-Rho as the standard emblem of religious devotion. The cross was worn by individuals from every social stratum, from the elaborate bejeweled golden cross of the patriarch to the simple crosses of the common man. In the iconoclastic period, the cross continued in use, as well as theological inscriptions and mottos.
Circular Bezel: 15 mm diameter
Size: 9 ½
Weight: 12.36 gm
