Byzantine Bone Pendant with Chi Rho

Comprising: one sub-rectangular in form with Greek capital letters (Mi, Iota, Iota, Tau and Tau, Iota, Eta) in raised relief, suspension lug to reverse; a leaf-shaped stamp with lugs to the perimeter and three raised letters to the centre, suspension lug to reverse. 40.8 grams total, 38 mm each



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

The larger bronze stamps are generally known in the relevant literature as bread stamps. These were used on the bread consecrated during the Holy Liturgy and then given to the believers as the Body of Christ during the Holy Communion, as well as to the bread which was given as a present at the end of the Liturgy, as 'Blessed bread' or Antidoron. Similar seals are still used today in the Orthodox Church.

Of square form displaying the Greek letters ΓΓ either side of a Christian cross at the centre. 79 grams, 37 mm



From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.

Of piriform shape with raised inscription around the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 307 grams, 11.2 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.