Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ

Egypt, 6th-7th century

Inscription: AΓΙΟC AΓΙΟC AΓΙΟC ΚΎΡΙΟC CΑΒAΩΘ
Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth (‘Lord of Hosts’)

This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Christ, which combine to form a prayer in pictures.