Rock crystal gem: Lion-headed figure (A) Greek inscription (B)

PP-ID:

PP-159

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

UK-BM-BEP_EΑ56502

Collection:

London, British Museum

Collection Inventory:

EΑ56502 (G 502)

Reference Numbers:

Michel, BM, no. 265; Michel, DMG, no. 37.B.1.b_4; CBd, no. 159

Former Collections:

Chester, Greville John (1830–1892)

Material:

rock crystal

Dimensions:

27 × 20 × 13 mm

Date:

4th–6th c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

lion-headed figure; armour; shoes: boots; rays (7); whip; globus

Logoi:

ζεθ αφοβε-logos and variants

Yellowish rock crystal gem. Upright oval, both faces convex. Shape 4. Intact.

Side A: Lion-headed figure standing to the front, wearing armour and boots, head turned to the left and encircled with seven rays. There is a whip in the figure's raised right hand, and a globe in his outstretched left.
Side B: Four lines of Greek inscription: ζεθα|βετωρθρ|μεωμιθ|ρονφαω → ζεθ αφοβε-logos.

Selected bibliography
• Michel, BM >>, 163, no. 265; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 37.B.1.b_4.
• Spier 2025 >>, 113, no. 7.