Magic sphere (200/300)Acropolis Museum
Kosmokrator
Helios depicted as "Kosmokrator", Ruler of the Universe. He is sitting on a throne beneath an arch and holds a whip and three blazing torches. The dogs at his feet symbolise the sky's bright "dog stars": Sirius and Prokyon.
The Magic Sphere - Snake, lion, torchAcropolis Museum
Snake, lion, torch
Astral, magical, alchemical and geometrical symbols, allegorical animal scenes, numbers and incomprehensible inscriptions, perhaps invocations to Helios.
Lion
The lion must be the zodiac sign of Leo.
The Magic Sphere - SnakeAcropolis Museum
Snake
The snake represents the constellation of Hydra.
The Magic Sphere - Torch and LionAcropolis Museum
Torch
Torch must symbolize a comet.
The Magic Sphere - Triangle with letters all aroundAcropolis Museum
Triangle with letters all around
Letters and magic symbols as invocation to magical powers, pleading for favours.
The Magic Sphere - Incised circleAcropolis Museum
Incised circle
Encompassing five overlapping circles with several inscriptions.
ΑΙΘΑΕΡ is the only recognizable word.
The Magic Sphere - detailAcropolis Museum
Signs and letters
Probably magic invocations.
Pictures and texts: Acropolis Museum
Bibliography: Olga Palagia "The Reliefs on the Magic Globe from the Theatre of Dionysos in Athens"
More on: https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/exereynisi-syllogon.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.