6th-10th century AD. A flat-section bronze plaque with openwork arcading and two rotund figures; pierced at each corner; above, the inscribed text '????????????' (reference to Saint Artemius). From an important collection of Christian artefacts formed in the 1970s and 1980s; the property of a City gentleman. Artemius was an Egyptian by birth and a chief commander of the army under Constantine the Great. Constantius II ordered Artemius to go beyond the Danube and bring back to Constantinople the relics of Andrew the Apostle, Luke the Evangelist and Saint Timothy. Artemius accomplished his task and was rewarded with the appointment to the rank of Dux Aegypti in 360 AD. One year later Constantius was succeeded by his cousin Julian, who was a Pagan. The people of Alexandria accused Artemius of having demolished their temples, and broken down their idols, and Julian condemned him to death. Artemius was beheaded in 362 AD in the city of Antioch, where he had been recalled by Emperor Julian for maladministration of his province. The charges stemmed from his persecution of pagans in Alexandria, and his use of troops in the seizure and despoliation of the Temple of Serapis instigated by George of Cappadocia. His relics were kept at the Church of Saint John the Forerunner in Constantinople and his feast day is 20 October. 23 grams, 59mm (2 1/4").

Fine condition.