A MAGICAL GEM/AMULET AS AN ABRAXAS FROM SMINTHEION AND IT’S ICONOGRAPHY

Amulet, unusual amulet example in variety of large groups such as sculptures, coins, pottery and small finds, show its special place in the belief system in Smintheion. It exhibits changes at sanctuary for material and symbol figure with a different purpose and function during the period. The front face of the figure shows the reflection of the belief was not common in the sanctuary. Among the artifacts from excavations in 2010, oval-shaped amulet, carved in white veined black jasper. Its length 2.2 cm, wide 1.7 cm and thickness is 0.4 cm. Amulet preserved well except for a broken rear occurring in the lower left corner. The figure depicts Abraxas at the front face. It dated to the third century BC given the similarities in character and iconography.