New Belt of the “Byzantine Circle” from the Medieval Bayanovsky Burial Ground in the Perm Territory
New Belt of the “Byzantine Circle” from the Medieval Bayanovsky Burial Ground in the Perm Territory
A.V. Danich and N.B. Krylasova.
A precious belt of the “Byzantine circle,” belonging to a representative of the local social elite was discovered in a burial of the 10th century at the Bayanovsky burial ground (Perm Territory). The belt is dated to the mid-8th century. Individual elements of similar belts have been found relatively often over large areas, including the Perm Territory, however, complete belt sets are rare. The belt shows extensive parallels with Avar and Khazar antiquities, but is distinguished by its unique decor, including the themes of the “royal” feast and lovemaking. The length of time between the production of the belt and its placement in the burial poses some questions.
