Byzantine Apotropaic Medalette of St George

Such medalette's are of a personal nature and may have been fitted into pendants, oil lamp handles or ornate cross arms, but the high artistic style of this piece might be the product of the imperial mint or workshop. St. George, a Roman soldier of circa AD 275-303, was one of the most popular military saints of the Christian East as one of the fourteen Holy Helpers and the patron of soldiers. It is almost universally accepted that he suffered martyrdom under Diocletian at Diospolis in Palestine in about AD 300-303. All other legends which have grown up around him may safely be regarded as fictitious, including the story of the dragon, which probably originated in Italy in comparatively recent times and has since then been a source of inspiration to artists worldwide. The crusaders certainly gave great impetus to his devotion in the West, as the very model of knighthood. He became the patron saint of many countries and institutions including: Savoy, Portugal, Aragon, Germany, Genoa, Venice and England, where his cult is bound up with British history, traditions and popular myths.