Byzantine belt buckle
Type:
Belt buckles
Date:
Late sixth to seventh century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Syria
Medium:
Gold
Dimensions:
2.9 × 7.9 × 0.9 cm
Description:
A gold belt buckle found in Syria features a personal monogram that spells "Theodore" in Greek. It was likely produced in an imperial Byzantine workshop and worn by a high-level official with that name, signaling his status and authority. This is a luxurious version of the cheaper copper-alloy buckles with a monogram of the Byzantine emperor that were probably distributed to soldiers. The buckle is also adorned with a so-called Solomon's knot (one also appears on the contemporary bronze Plate-buckle with prophets from France). Such knots were widely used in antiquity and the Middle Ages as apotropaic devices, meant to trap demons forces in their coils and in this case protect the wearer of the belt. Monogrammed buckles have been found all over the early Byzantine world, including the recently reconquered territories in North Africa and Spain.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
3
Repository and Online Resources:
• The buckle is held by the Walters Art Museum.
Image Credits:
Walters Art Museum (WAM 57.545)
