medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Since this thread centering on Genevra's wonderful site full of images
may have caught the attention of list members who are both inquisitive
and knowledgeable, in addition to Genevra herself, let me call attention
to this little metal (lead?) codex that has been on display in the
National Museum in Rome (next to the baths of Diocletian). It contains
images (human and animal) and cryptic (to me at least) writing, and
doubtless falls into that nebulous category of "magical." I recognize
the IAW (tetragrammaton abbreviated, frequent on gemstones and similar
objects) on the first page and the serpent footed image above it, but
little more. The back sides of the pages are not readily visible in the
enclosed display in Rome. I've done the best I can with what I could
photograph/image. Perhaps this object has been published, but I haven't
located anything on it thus far.
Roman metal codex
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-all.jpg>
Enhanced pages 1a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-1.jpg>, page 2a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-2.jpg>, page 3a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-3.jpg>, page 4a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-4.jpg>, page 5a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-5.jpg>, page 6a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-6.jpg>, page 7a
<http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rak/inscriptions/codex-metal-7.jpg>
Also of interest, perhaps, is Genevra's image of an object (historic
archive > abrasax gems, "Rider trampling another figure, hematite,
Kelsey 26140" =
http://www.kornbluthphoto.com/images/Kelsey%2026140%20rider.jpg)
on which the image imitates old Greek and Roman coinage such as this
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/paeonia/patraos/Beschreibung_7.jpg
[Greek; Paeonian Kingdom, Patraus AR Tetradrachm. Laureate head of
Apollo right / warrior on horseback right, spearing fallen enemy, M
behind horse. Paeonia Hoard 198. SNG ANS —. SNG Oxford —. 4th century
bce; for more of the same see
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/paeonia/patraos/i.html ]
and on the later Roman side, the "FEL TEMP REPARATIO" series in the 4th
century ce -- http://dougsmith.ancients.info/ftr.html (where the
horseman usually faces left).
I suppose that "St George slaying the dragon" is a variation on this
iconic type -- or they all are variations on an older theme.
Anyhow, let me repeat the compliments to Genevra for her well organized
site with the wonderful images, and add my hope that she will be able to
accomplish more of her goals in that context!
Bob Kraft, UPenn
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