A New Small Stone Icon from Chersonesos

Abstract

: For 190 years of research of Chersonesos (Byzantine Сherson), twelve stone, in the vast majority, steatite icons were found. In 2002, during the excavation of quarter L in the southern part of the site, a one-sided fragmented black slate pendant icon was found. Its upper left part is lost. The dimensions of the preserved fragment are 3.2 x 3 cm, the thickness of the icon is 0.6 cm. The icon was found in the destruction layer of a residential building dating back to the last period of the city’s existence. On it is carved a bosom image of Christ Emanuel in a double arched frame. The quality of the icon is low. A separate image of the young Christ on stone icons is a rather rare phenomenon. The icon from Chersonesos has analogues, but differs from them in more details. This icon was found in the destruction layer of a residential building dating back to the last period of the city’s existence. Close analogies and conditions of the find will allow attributing this icon to Byzantine imports of the 13 th century.