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Byzantine - Bracelet - Walters 571844

This bracelet is made of tubular gold, with a simulated fastener of five ribs embossed on one side. It was bought ca. 1920 in Athens together with two others, now in Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, inv. 951.166.... More

Byzantine - Chrismon Lamp - Walters 482569 - Side A

This terracotta lamp displays the superimposed Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P), the monogram of Christ. These initials form a symbol that serves as an invocation, or appeal, for his divine protection. People ... More

Byzantine - Chrismon Lamp - Walters 482569 - Three Quarter

This terracotta lamp displays the superimposed Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P), the monogram of Christ. These initials form a symbol that serves as an invocation, or appeal, for his divine protection. People ... More

Byzantine - Dish - Walters 57652

This dish is dated by the silver hallmarks (stamps) on its back to the early years of the reign of Heraclius, Byzantine emperor in AD 610-41. The center of the dish is decorated with a vine border and bears the... More

Byzantine - Earring - Walters 571729

Annular earring with three pendants of plaited chains to each of which is attached a croix patee of hollow gold, the front ornamented with repousse featherings and a central cell holding green vitreous paste; b... More

Byzantine - Eucharistic Box or Reliquary - Walters 57638 - Three Quart...

The celebration of the Divine Liturgy is one of the most important ceremonies in the Christian Church. This reliquary is part of a silver service (with Walters 57.634, 57.635, 57.642, 57.644, 57.645, 57.646, 5... More

Byzantine - Head Ornament - Walters 57546

This luxurious piece of jewelry may have been a hair ornament, or one of two pendants that hung from a noblewoman's crown or headdress. The small bust of a woman with a turreted crown is identified by the Gree... More

Byzantine - Key - Walters 541023

This type of key, commonly used during the Byzantine period, could be easily carried, an important feature at a time when clothes had no pockets. The hoop of the key fits like a finger ring, and the short barr... More

Byzantine - Lamp with the Raising of Lazarus - Walters 482637 - Side A

An enshrouded Lazarus stands in the doorway of his tomb following his resurrection. Possessing an image of the Raising of Lazarus expressed the central Christian belief in resurrection, and also served to ward ... More

Byzantine - Lamp with the Raising of Lazarus - Walters 482637 - Three ...

An enshrouded Lazarus stands in the doorway of his tomb following his resurrection. Possessing an image of the Raising of Lazarus expressed the central Christian belief in resurrection, and also served to ward ... More

Byzantine - Menorah Flask - Walters 47673

This hexagonal flask is decorated with a menorah, a palm tree, and geometric forms. Many similar flasks substitute crosses for the Jewish symbol, indicating that a single workshop served the needs of both Chris... More

Byzantine - Menorah Token - Walters 47654

This token displays an image of the menorah, the seven-branched candlestick used in Jewish temples. Made for private use, such tokens were at times inscribed with the name of the owner. In this period, the meno... More

Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571727 - Detail A

Made for a middle-class woman, this necklace is composed of simple, toy-like ducks that appear to be solid gold, yet are actually stamped out of thin foil. This creates the false impression of a very costly ne... More

Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571727

Made for a middle-class woman, this necklace is composed of simple, toy-like ducks that appear to be solid gold, yet are actually stamped out of thin foil. This creates the false impression of a very costly ne... More

Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571817

Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as these. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.

Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 57544 - View A

Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as these. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.

Byzantine - Oil Lamp with a Cross - Walters 5455

Lamps filled with scented oil were used throughout the Mediterranean region. Intended for use in the home, the lamp could rest on a table, be suspended by chains, or be fitted onto a spiked (pricket) lampstand... More

Byzantine - Pair of Earrings - Walters 57560, 57561

These dramatic, colorful earrings were most likely made in Constantinople, perhaps as an imperial gift to a Visigothic ruler of medieval Spain, where the earrings were found. The Visigoths, a migratory group t... More

Byzantine - Pair of Shoes - Walters 73140, 73141

The central motif of a cross suggests that this pair of leather shoes was made for a priest, although they could also have been worn by an upper-class man. Many poor people in this period went barefoot, includi... More

Byzantine - Pilgrim Flask - Walters 482521 - Back

This flask shows a shrouded figure, perhaps Lazarus, emerging from the partially opened doors of a tomb. On the reverse is a cross under an arch. These two images evoked the pilgrim's belief in Christ's victor... More

Byzantine - Pilgrim Flask - Walters 482521

This flask shows a shrouded figure, perhaps Lazarus, emerging from the partially opened doors of a tomb. On the reverse is a cross under an arch. These two images evoked the pilgrim's belief in Christ's victor... More

Byzantine - Processional or Altar Cross - Walters 57641

Originally, this cross had "pendelia" (jewels, crosslets, or Greek letters) suspended from the four holes in its horizontal arms. Like other medium-sized crosses with a tang, this one could have been carried i... More

Byzantine - Ring - Walters 571604 - Group

Unlike seal and marriage rings, which had functional and social significance, small rings of this type were purely ornamental.

Byzantine - Ring - Walters 571642 - Group

Unlike seal and marriage rings, which had functional and social significance, small rings of this type were purely ornamental.

Byzantine - Signet Ring - Walters 572104 - View A

More than simply jewelry, signet rings were essential in the Early Byzantine period for sealing personal documents and validating wills and testaments. By the 6th century, most rings had a personal monogram, su... More

Byzantine - Spoon - Walters 57647

This type of spoon, which could have been made out of wood, bone, or metal, was commonly used in Early Byzantine homes. The cross inscription invokes divine protection and blessings for the household.

Byzantine - Steelyard - Walters 54197

Steelyards, or scales, were used in the Roman and Byzantine Empires for weighing heavy objects in the marketplace. They are, in fact, still in use today. The steelyard (named for its more recent function of w... More

Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654 - Back

This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More

Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654 - Three Quarter Left

This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More

Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654 - Three Quarter Right

This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More

Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654

This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More

Byzantine - Strainer - Walters 57650

The celebration of the Divine Liturgy is one of the most important ceremonies in the Christian Church. This strainer is part of a silver service (with Walters 57.634, 57.635, 57.642, 57.644, 57.645, 57.646, 57... More

Coptic - Cupboard Doors - Walters 61303

These wooden panels are the finest and most complete examples to survive from the Early Byzantine period, having been preserved in the dry sands of Egypt. The panels, made for a cupboard or cabinet (or possibl... More

Coptic - Jewelry Box with Dancers and Faun - Walters 7140 - Three Quar...

This reconstructed wood and bone box was probably used by a wealthy woman to store her precious jewelry. Two different techniques were used to carve the bone plaques on its sides and top. For a number of the ... More

Coptic - Tunic - Walters 83484 - Public domain museum image. A black a...

Given its small size, this tunic was probably made for a child. The ornamentation includes garlands, birds, and animals, all popular motifs in Early Byzantine Egypt. This type of tunic was worn by men, women,... More

Egyptian - Funerary Stele of Aurelia Artemis - Walters 262

This stele (tombstone) commemorates the death of a woman named Aurelia Artemis. The use of costly, imported marble and the woman's elaborate dress suggest that she came from a wealthy family. The presence of a ... More

Egyptian - Pilgrim Flask of Saint Menas - Walters 482541

St. Menas is dressed in a soldier's tunic, his arms extended in the early Christian pose of prayer. The patron saint of merchants and caravans, he stands between two kneeling camels. St. Menas was martyred in... More

Egyptian - Putto - Walters 7125

This plaque is carved in intaglio to receive wax inlay of red and dark green. Originally squared for inlay on a box or piece of furniture, it is broken at the top and left sides, and chipped at the lower right corner.

Egyptian - Two Figures - Walters 7119

The plaque shows a male figure with arm raised above his head and a putto holding a shell. It has been squared for use as inlay, and has been badly broken and repaired.

Egyptian - Vase with Relief Decoration - Walters 481621

Faience vessels with decorations in raised relief are typical of the early Roman Period in Egypt. Some have only vegetal patterns; others combine floral and geometric patterns with representations of animals. T... More

Gnaios - Intaglio of an Athlete - Walters 42109

This gem is signed by Gnaios, a well-known gem-carver of the late 1st century BC. It depicts a famous Greek statue by one of the followers of the renowned sculptor Polykleitos, from the late 5th century BC.

Greco-Roman - Cameo Ring with a Prancing Horse - Walters 42112

Anonymous (Greco-Roman). 'Cameo Ring with a Prancing Horse,' 1st century BC-AD 1st century. onyx, gold. Walters Art Museum (42.112): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1910.

Greco-Roman - Gem with Achilles and Cheiron - Walters 421161

This gemstone depicts Cheiron resting on his hind legs underneath a tree on the right. He wears a long beard, and his hair is arranged in a thick roll around his head. A loose piece of cloth or animal skin hang... More

Greco-Roman - Gem with Oedipus and the Sphinx - Walters 42465

The Sphinx (meaning "strangler") was a savage creature with the head of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of a bird, sent by Hera to plague the city of Thebes. Oedipus encountered her at the entrance t... More

Greek - Intaglio of a Mithraic Sacrifice - Walters 421342

Mithras was a Persian creation god, as well as the god of light. Mithraism, the mystery religion associated with him, spread throughout the Roman Empire. Initiation into Mithraism was restricted to men and was ... More

Greek - Panther-Head Armrest Decoration from a Couch - Walters 54710

The detail, three-dimensionality, and realism of the animal's expression distinguish this as the work of a Hellenistic artist. The panther was associated with Dionysus, and knotted around its neck is a garland... More

Italic - Bowl with Incised Lotus, Spirals, and Tongue Patterns - Walte...

NaN Public domain photograph of Italian artifact, archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Italic - Bowl with Incised Lotus, Spirals, and Tongue Patterns - Walte...

NaN Public domain photograph of Italian artifact, archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Praenestine - Cista Depicting Helen of Troy and Paris - Walters 54132

Cistae were containers used to safeguard precious objects, including mirrors, perfume flasks, and cosmetics. A particular type of cista was made during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC in Praeneste, a site in Latiu... More

Roman - "Alabastron" with Silver Case - Walters 57932 - Side A

In the early Roman period, glass was a precious material ranked alongside gold, silver, and gems. It was often combined with precious metals for a luxurious effect. To create this "alabastron," a vessel for per... More

Roman - "Alabastron" with Silver Case - Walters 57932

In the early Roman period, glass was a precious material ranked alongside gold, silver, and gems. It was often combined with precious metals for a luxurious effect. To create this "alabastron," a vessel for per... More

Roman - Amphora - Walters 48133

Anonymous (Roman). 'WHEEL MARKS ON OUTSIDE,' . coarse reddish clay. Walters Art Museum (48.133): Acquired by Henry Walters with the Massarenti Collection, 1902.

Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Back

This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More

Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Left

This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More

Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Right

This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More

Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Three Quarter

This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More

Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708

This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More

Roman - Amulet of Mithras Slaying the Bull, and the God Abraxas - Walt...

Mithras was a Persian creation god, as well as the god of light. Mithraism, the mystery religion associated with him, spread throughout the Roman Empire. Initiation into Mithraism was restricted to men and wa... More

Roman - Amulet of Mithras Slaying the Bull, and the God Abraxas - Walt...

Mithras was a Persian creation god, as well as the god of light. Mithraism, the mystery religion associated with him, spread throughout the Roman Empire. Initiation into Mithraism was restricted to men and wa... More

Roman - Amuletic Inscription - Walters 571960 - Back

This thin sheet of gold (lamella) is inscribed with Greek letters and magical symbols. The text, written by a professional scribe for a man named Proclus, contains a spell to ensure his victory in a trial befor... More

Roman - Antefix in the Form of a Theatrical Mask - Walters 23202

This mask has open eyes and mouth. Public domain photograph of ancient Greek artifact, archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Roman - Banquet Couch - Walters 542365

The dining room, or "triclinium," of a Roman house derived its name from the three couches that were grouped at right angles to one another in a U-shape. Wealthy citizens ate while reclining on these couches. ... More