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Pair of Compasses: 7th century AD |
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Pair of Compasses: 7th century AD |
A copper-alloy pair of compasses with engraved and silver-inlaid decoration. This finely made instrument bears a Greek inscription wishing the owner to "use it ever in happiness" (EUTYXOS XRO PANTOTE).
The compasses are
a reminder of Byzantine skill in drawing and measuring which allowed them
to construct such architectural marvels as the church of S Sophia in Constantinople.
© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service,
Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum
