This sculpture bust is a woman contemplatively staring out. She holds a scroll, as a symbol to show she is an educated person. The delicate, sensitive carving and the highly polished finish suggest that it was carved in Constantinople, capital of theByzantine Empire, perhaps as the monument of a leading member of the government. Her long fingers draw attention to the scroll in her hand, indicating her pride in being recognized as an educated women among the elite men and women who are educated as well.
This steelyard weight dates from the rise of the Byzantine Empire. The bronze hook would allow it to be suspended to measure the weight of a product hung from the opposite end. This Empress bust is filled with lead and driven with several nails to make it weigh exactly seven Byzantine litrae, or 5.04 pounds in modern day measurements.
This flask represents the beginning of Christ’s life. In the Byzantine Empire, they might have used this for oils and potions during religious ceremonies. The rise of the Byzantine Empire includes their ceremonies and religious practices.
The narrative scene on this pyx makes the gospel words visible in picture form. On one side there is a representation of the Gospel of Luke, three women; the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, mother of James; stand with their hands raised in the prayer pose. This pyx may be found in churches or early religious places during the rise of the Byzantine Empire.