This genuine Byzantine buckle has been set in a modern 22 karat gold pendant, decorated with 22 karat gold appliqués.This type of belt buckle may have been used by Byzantine military forces during the 7th century A.D. Belts of this shape seem to have been an obligatory part of the uniform of the Byzantine cavalry starting in the 6th century A.D. Not only was this style buckle used for belts, but also to hold the edges of funerary dress in the mid 6th century A.D. Thus, this buckle, decorated with modern 22 Karat gold floral highlights thought to imitate the originals, may have once held the garments of a soldier in place while riding off to defend the borders of his empire. It may have also secured the dress of a deceased maiden who departed from life prematurely. Buckles are a basic, yet wholly necessary, creation of civilized societies. They both serve a practical, functional purpose, yet also decorate and adorn the very garments they are meant to hold in place. This buckle, simple and elegant, is a reminder of the Byzantine era where Christianity first triumphed over the lands of Europe and the Near East. - (FJ.6979)
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean
Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD
Dimensions: 1.375" (3.5cm) wide
Collection: Jewelry
Style: Byzantine
Medium: Bronze, Gold

Antiquities
Ancient Near East