Early Byzantine Era c. 300-750

Silver Box

300

c. 300-400 - Most likely used to hold jewelry or something equally valuable. Decorated with Greek and Roman figures, showcasing their popularity even with the introduction and spread of Christianity.

Peacock Floor Mosaic

300

c. 200-300 - Floor mosaic tile, most likely part of a larger floor mosaic. Peacocks were common in Roman and Byzantine art, and represented renewal of spring and paradise.

Rock Crystal Dolphin Statue

300

c. 200-400 - Byzantines believed that rock crystal was magical and had healing properties.

Rock Crystal Dish

300

c. 200-400 - Created in the form of a temple, this dish was most likely used as a saltcellar.

Sarcophagus

312

c. 312 - Carved after Christianity was recognized as a legal faith.

Bowl Base with Miracle Scenes

350

c. 350-400 - Bowl base which depicts Christ in several scenes of miracles.

Steelyard Weight

350

c. 350-500 - Standardized weight. The depiction of Athene shows the popularity of Greek figures in the Early Byzantine Era.

Chariot Mount

400

c. 300-500 - Chariot mount, possibly made in Gaul.

Fragment of a Floor Mosaic

500

c. 500-550 - Marble and glass floor mosaic which most likely adorned the floor of a public building.

Pyx with the Women at Christ's Tomb

500

c. 500s - Carved from the cross section of an elephant's tusk, this container was most likely used to carry the bread of the Eucharist to those who were unable to attend service.

Flask

500

c. 500s - Flask depicting the Magi coming to present their gifts to Christ.

The Antioch "Chalice"

500

c. 500-550 - Once thought to be the Holy Grail, this chalice has been attributed to the city of Antioch. However, the most recent categorization is possibly a lamp.

Panel of a Diptych

521

c. 521 - Presented by Justinian to an elected consul of the Roman Senate.

Section of a Marble Mosaic Bathhouse Floor

537

c. 537/538 - Bathhouses were built through donations from citizens. Many had intricate mosaic floors and marble sculptures.

Pectoral with Coins and Pseudo-Medallion

539

c. 539-550 - Neck ring that most likely belonged to an aristocrat or a general associated with the Byzantine court.

Yellow-Green Hexagonal Glass Bottle

550

c. mid 500-700s - Molded glass bottle depicting saints, most likely made in Syria.

Girdle with Coins and Medallions

583

c. 583 - Possibly the insignia of office for someone closely connected to the imperial court in Constantinople. Each of the thirteen coins are stamped with the portrait of previous emperors and state "Constantinopolis obryzum" (pure gold of Constantinople), proving they were minted in the capital.

The Avar Treasure

Jan 1, 600

c. 600-700 - Part of a treasure belonging to the Avars, a nomadic warrior tribe. This goblet depicts the personification of the four ecclesiastical centers of the Byzantine empire.

Roundel

Jan 1, 600

c. 600s - Textile which depicts scenes from the life of Joseph. Most likely was part of a piece of children's clothing.

Gold Cross Pendant

Jan 1, 600

c. 500-700 - An example of pierced-work jewelry that was popular during this era.

Polycandelon

Jan 1, 600

c. 500-700 - An early form of a chandelier. Oil-filled glass bowls hung from the round openings.