About this objectFlagon of hammered copper-alloy found in the Prittlewell grave [EXH120]. The band around its neck shows St Sergius on horseback. Sergius was a fourth-century Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and was martyred. His grave in Resafa, Syria, became a place of pilgrimage and miracles, and became known as Sergiopolis. The shrine was expanded under the Roman Emperor Anastasios (r. 491–518) into a basilica. After Jerusalem, it was the most important Christian pilgrimage centre in the region.
This flagon was probably acquired there by a pilgrim and then passed on through gifting until it reached the prince at Prittlewell.
Date Made6th-7th c.
PeriodByzantine
Place MadeSyria
Subject and Association KeywordsPilgrimage
Subject and Association KeywordsDeath and burials
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Hirst and Scull 2019; Netzer and Newman 1991.
