---
title: Byzantine Gold Body Chain
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5773/byzantine-gold-body-chain/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Byzantine Gold Body Chain
_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5773.jpg)
## Image Caption
This body chains of linked medallions is the largest item of jewellery to survive from the [Byzantine Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/). It would have been worn draped over the shoulders and around the hips. In [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) and [Roman art](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Art/), body chains were often associated with [Venus](https://www.worldhistory.org/venus/), the goddess of love. Due to its size, this chain may have adorned a statue (possibly of Venus) instead of an actual woman. By the 500s CE, statues from the neighbouring [Persian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Persian_Empire/) showed kings wearing similar body chains. The significance of this type of accessory may have changed from symbolising female sexuality to denoting male power and authority. Donated by Mrs. Burns. Circa 600s. From Asyut, [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). (The British Museum, London).
#### 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). Byzantine Gold Body Chain. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Byzantine Gold Body Chain." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 07, 2016. .
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Byzantine Gold Body Chain." *World History Encyclopedia*, 07 Oct 2016, .
## 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.