‘Lord Protect’ Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscribed Bezel
Date: c. 1000 A.D.
Weight: 6.14 grams
Size: 8 (U.S.) / Q (U.K.)
History of the Artifact
A Byzantine bronze ring with an ogival bezel showing an inscription that reads: ‘KER OHΘH’ - ancient Greek for ‘Lord, Protect’. It can also be interpreted as referring to the Greek concept of ‘Keres’ - spirits of doom and death in Greek mythology, coupled with an alternative definition of protection more related to’ pushing or driving away’ and not protection in the usual sense. Given the clear byzantine origin of this ring however, these terms would refer to a christianised version of these mythological concepts.
These rings were a common feature in Byzantine jewelry and similar examples can be found in items 571, 572, 573 of the catalogue “Hephaestus legacy - A memorial to a private collection of ancient rings and glyptics”.
A note on religious motifs in Byzantine jewelry: Byzantine jewelry often featured religious inscriptions, reflecting the deep connection between faith and adornment. Rings, pendants, and bracelets were inscribed with protective prayers, invocations, and Christograms, such as Κύριε βοήθει ("Lord, help") or Φύλαξόν με, Κύριε ("Protect me, Lord"). Gold and silver pieces were intricately designed, sometimes with niello or enamel to highlight inscriptions. These jewels served as both personal devotion and status symbols, blending spiritual significance with exquisite craftsmanship.
Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
Your order will include:
- Byzantine Empire Bronze Ring as seen in photos
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
‘Lord Protect’ Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscribed Bezel
‘Lord Protect’ Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscribed Bezel
Date: c. 1000 A.D.
Weight: 6.14 grams
Size: 8 (U.S.) / Q (U.K.)
History of the Artifact
A Byzantine bronze ring with an ogival bezel showing an inscription that reads: ‘KER OHΘH’ - ancient Greek for ‘Lord, Protect’. It can also be interpreted as referring to the Greek concept of ‘Keres’ - spirits of doom and death in Greek mythology, coupled with an alternative definition of protection more related to’ pushing or driving away’ and not protection in the usual sense. Given the clear byzantine origin of this ring however, these terms would refer to a christianised version of these mythological concepts.
These rings were a common feature in Byzantine jewelry and similar examples can be found in items 571, 572, 573 of the catalogue “Hephaestus legacy - A memorial to a private collection of ancient rings and glyptics”.
A note on religious motifs in Byzantine jewelry: Byzantine jewelry often featured religious inscriptions, reflecting the deep connection between faith and adornment. Rings, pendants, and bracelets were inscribed with protective prayers, invocations, and Christograms, such as Κύριε βοήθει ("Lord, help") or Φύλαξόν με, Κύριε ("Protect me, Lord"). Gold and silver pieces were intricately designed, sometimes with niello or enamel to highlight inscriptions. These jewels served as both personal devotion and status symbols, blending spiritual significance with exquisite craftsmanship.
Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
Your order will include:
- Byzantine Empire Bronze Ring as seen in photos
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
Original: $650.00
-65%$650.00
$227.50Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Date: c. 1000 A.D.
Weight: 6.14 grams
Size: 8 (U.S.) / Q (U.K.)
History of the Artifact
A Byzantine bronze ring with an ogival bezel showing an inscription that reads: ‘KER OHΘH’ - ancient Greek for ‘Lord, Protect’. It can also be interpreted as referring to the Greek concept of ‘Keres’ - spirits of doom and death in Greek mythology, coupled with an alternative definition of protection more related to’ pushing or driving away’ and not protection in the usual sense. Given the clear byzantine origin of this ring however, these terms would refer to a christianised version of these mythological concepts.
These rings were a common feature in Byzantine jewelry and similar examples can be found in items 571, 572, 573 of the catalogue “Hephaestus legacy - A memorial to a private collection of ancient rings and glyptics”.
A note on religious motifs in Byzantine jewelry: Byzantine jewelry often featured religious inscriptions, reflecting the deep connection between faith and adornment. Rings, pendants, and bracelets were inscribed with protective prayers, invocations, and Christograms, such as Κύριε βοήθει ("Lord, help") or Φύλαξόν με, Κύριε ("Protect me, Lord"). Gold and silver pieces were intricately designed, sometimes with niello or enamel to highlight inscriptions. These jewels served as both personal devotion and status symbols, blending spiritual significance with exquisite craftsmanship.
Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
Your order will include:
- Byzantine Empire Bronze Ring as seen in photos
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
