Gold and Niello Bracelet
The bracelet's box housed a relic meant to protect the owner, whose name, probably Myras, appears in a monogram.
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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