---
title: Roman Decorative Glass Medallion
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5758/roman-decorative-glass-medallion/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Roman Decorative Glass Medallion

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Roman Decorative Glass Medallion](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5758.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5758.jpg)

## Image Caption

This glass disc came from the base of a drinking vessel, which may have been made as a wedding gift. Many such discs have been found in the catacombs of [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/), suggesting that when one of a married couple died, the vessel's decorative base was cut out and placed over the [grave](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) as a memorial. They often express the religious affiliation of the deceased. This piece of glass depicts a gilded family group. There are half-length portraits of a husband and wife and their small daughter. The daughter and mother are dressed similarly. A sacred monogram (chi-rho) between two dots appears between the heads of the man and woman. It is surmounted by a wreath or diadem. The family is enclosed in a double toothed border. 3rd to 5th century CE. From Rome, [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/). (The British Museum).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, October 07). Roman Decorative Glass Medallion. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5758/roman-decorative-glass-medallion/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Roman Decorative Glass Medallion." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 07, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5758/roman-decorative-glass-medallion/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Roman Decorative Glass Medallion." *World History Encyclopedia*, 07 Oct 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5758/roman-decorative-glass-medallion/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 07 October 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.