Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Ring

Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Ring

6th century A.D. With ellipsoid bezel, incised Greek inscription with some of the letter inversed, reading '???? ????? ?O???'. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 481. 1.81 grams, 19.87 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13) (3/4 in.).

Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The meaning of the inscription is not clear, although it may be prophylactic, with the letter Chi (?) linked with the rho (P) i.e. XP for ‘Christ’ and the other letters referring to the usual expression ??YTIC? (protect) ?O??I? (Doulo? ), therefore intended to be read ‘Christ protect your servant’. The ring was probably engraved by a foreigner with a very limited understanding of Greek.