Roman Decorative Glass Medallion

Illustration

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
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published on 07 October 2016
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This glass disc came from the base of a drinking vessel, which may have been made as a wedding gift. Many such discs have been found in the catacombs of Rome, suggesting that when one of a married couple died, the vessel's decorative base was cut out and placed over the grave as a memorial. They often express the religious affiliation of the deceased. This piece of glass depicts a gilded family group. There are half-length portraits of a husband and wife and their small daughter. The daughter and mother are dressed similarly. A sacred monogram (chi-rho) between two dots appears between the heads of the man and woman. It is surmounted by a wreath or diadem. The family is enclosed in a double toothed border. 3rd to 5th century CE. From Rome, Italy. (The British Museum).

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About the Author

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Amin, O. S. M. (2016, October 07). Roman Decorative Glass Medallion. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5758/roman-decorative-glass-medallion/

Chicago Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Roman Decorative Glass Medallion." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 07, 2016. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5758/roman-decorative-glass-medallion/.

MLA Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Roman Decorative Glass Medallion." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 07 Oct 2016. Web. 23 Feb 2025.

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