Gold Cross Pendant
Not on view
A wealthy person or a member of the clergy may have worn this elegant cross, the largest known to have been worked in opus interrasile.
As Christianity became the dominant religion in Byzantine society, Christian imagery was increasingly found on jewelry. Crosses appear by the fifth century; the Virgin Mary, saints, angels, and other holy figures became popular in the sixth century. The images were thought to protect the wearer, aid in prayers, and even perform miracles.
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