Coptic Textile
500-600 CE
Egypt
Benaki Museum
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient Egypt, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire
Theme
Trade, Movement and Exchange
Subtheme
Byzantium: The New Rome and Its Trade Links
Case Title
Rome Lives on: Byzantium
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Egypt
Measurements
19 x 15 cm
Accession Number
7244
Description
Few ancient textiles survive, but thanks to the dry Egyptian climate, we can see how Christian Egyptians – the Copts – combined in their textiles ancient Greek with Christian motifs.
Dionysos was a popular Greek god. Associated with resurrection, his cult later fused with Christian belief – with wine a central element in both ritual traditions. The old gods of Greece and Rome did not die, but long remained part of everyday life. This Dionysos has come a long way from the mosaic on your right!
