Inscribed reliquary cross with an invocation of *George (soldier and martyr, S00259). Seen in Ḥimṣ/Emesa (northwest Phoenicia). Probably the 6th-7th c.
Evidence ID
E01940
Type of Evidence
Inscriptions - Inscribed objects
Images and objects - Representative images
Images and objects - Narrative scenes
Images and objects - Other portable objects (metalwork, ivory, etc.)
Archaeological and architectural - Extant reliquaries and related fixtures
A cross-shaped bronze reliquary consisting of two plaques connected by two hinges. Dimensions of plaque A: H. 0.087 m; W. 0.056 m. Dimensions of plaque B: H. 0.095 m; W. 0.058 m. Seen and photographed by René Mouterde in Ḥimṣ/Emesa. First published in 1959.
Plaque A bears an image of a slim man (orant) with a nimbus, wearing a robe with decorative bands, reaching his feet. The inscription reads:
Γεόργη/'O George!'
Letter height 0.007 m.
Plaque B is decorated with a cross consisting of 'four conic flames' (as described by the editor) within a medallion also containing the bust of a man with nimbus. The following inscription is to the right and to the left of the bust:
ἅ(γιε) Γε- όργη
'O Saint George!'
Letter height 0.004 m.
Use of Images
Private ownership of an image
RelicsReliquary – privately owned
Cult Related ObjectsCrosses
Discussion
Mouterde does not discuss the exact meaning of the depiction on plaque B but in our opinion the encircled cross consisting of four flames may actually refer to the flaming wheel, a device used to torture George, as reported in his hagiography. This suggests that the manufacturer of this reliquary had some knowledge of hagiographic writings dedicated to the saint or was commissioned with producing the object by a person well aware of literary traditions concerning this saint. One can conclude that one plaque of the reliquary shows the martyrdom of George and the other depicts him wearing his triumphal garments in Heaven.The size of this reliquary cross suggests that it was a personal item.
Bibliography
Edition:Jalabert, L., Mouterde, R., Mondésert, C., Les inscriptions grecques et latines de la Syrie, vol. 5: Émésène (BAH 66, Paris: P. Guethner, 1959), no. 2477.
Record Created By
Paweł Nowakowski
Date of Entry
18/10/2016
| ID | Name | Name in Source | Identity | S00259 | George, soldier and martyr, and Companions | Γεόργις | Certain |
|---|
Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL:
Paweł Nowakowski, Cult of Saints, E01940 - http://csla.history.ox.ac.uk/record.php?recid=E01940