E07066: Clay stamp bearing an image of two male saints, and a Greek inscription mentioning a martyr whose name is lost. Found during archaeological excavations at Chersonesos/Cherson (north Black Sea); 6th century.

The stamp depicts two saints flanking a cross with the apocalyptic letters alpha and omega on either side of it.

The right figure is almost fully preserved. The saint is a bearded man with halo, wearing a tunic and himation. He raises his left hand in prayer and holds a cross staff in his right.

The left figure is missing its head. This figure was also male, wearing a chlamys with tablion, and standing with both of his hands raised in prayer.

Both saints are flanked by cypress trees or palm branches, and the scene is encircled by the legend, written in mirror writing:

+Εὐλογί]α τοῦ ἁγίου καὶ ἐνδώξ[ου με]γαλο[μάρτ]υρoς[

'Blessing of the holy and glorious great martyr ...'

Diameter: 9 cm