Glass pendant with menorah

Worn as amulets for protection, this type of translucent glass pendant was popular in the 4th century. Most depicted deities and heroes from Classical and Egyptian mythology, or astrological motifs. A small proportion depicted the menorah (the Jewish symbol par excellence in Late Antiquity) or the Christian cross, or scenes from the New Testament such as Christ teaching. The same workshops may have produced for clientele of various religious persuasions.