Top of a Byzantine Ivory Casket, early 11th Century
|
Referenced on p22, MAA - 247 - D.Nicolle, A.McBride - Romano Byzantine Armies 4th-9th Centuries.
Panel showing 'Defeat of Ai by the Israelites' on a Byzantine carved ivory box, 8th-10th centuries. Only the defeated wear turbans, which suggests the artist identified the troops of Ai with the Muslims, the Hebrews with the Byzantines. The latter have archaic cuirasses or loose tunics with one arm bared, round shields with a large horizontal grip, and long broad but non-tapering swords.