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The Roman Legion and Barbarian Hordes
In the year 400A.D., Barbarian hordes of Germanic tribes including the Almanni, Franks, Gauls, Vandals, Visigoths and Lombards fought for control of the northern Roman Empire. The sword scabbard belt buckle, shown below, was created in the year 400A.D., and found in the year 1885 inside the tomb of a Barbarian warrior. The Romans referred to the people living beyond their borders as Barbarians, but often employed Barbarians as mercenary soldiers to safeguard the Empire border. The Barbarian warrior stationed in the Roman province of Gaul, now known as Vermand, France, was a high ranking military leader fighting as a member of the Roman Legion. The buckle in the photograph below should be viewed at a 45 degree angle, as it was supporting a belt that was draped over one shoulder. Thus, one point would be facing upward.
Vermand, France is an essential location in the study of this design. For Vermand or Vermandois is the land of Hugh of Vermandois discussed on this webpage under the Crusades. We can only imagine the excitement felt by Crusaders Knights who found ossuaries and religious objects with this design carved upon them.
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Sword Scabbard Belt Buckle made in 400A.D., Vermand Treasure - Courtesy of and permission from the New York Metro Museum
Visit: New York Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Franks 4th to 7th century A.D.
The Frank Kingdom was a confederation of ancient Germanic Barbarian tribes in northern Europe. The Franks were ruthless warriors and became allies with the Romans to defeat the Huns and protect Europe from Attila's wrath.
In the year 506A.D., Clovis became King of the Franks by uniting the tribes in Gaul.
Clovis founded the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish Kings and set the stage for feudalism and saved Europe from the emptiness of Pagan idolatry and fractious infighting.
The symbol was displayed by the Clovis and the Franks as a sign of Christ's ascension, and life ever after.
The Frankish Empire included legendary Knights like Charlemagne. Born April 2nd, 742A.D., Charlemagne was blessed with a brilliant intellect, mental stamina, and exceptional physical strength. He united most of Europe during his reign as King. The brutal campaigns he fought were the Lombard war, Aquitanian war, Saxon war, Spanish war, Slavic war, Huns war and Danish war.
Charlemagne was crowned the Emperor of the Holy Roman Church and Europe in the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome on Christmas night 800A.D. In the name of Charlemagne, ferocious Frankish Knights, known as the Black Lions of the North, took up the sword against Pagan devils and laid waste to all who opposed the King, assuring the name of Charlemagne would echo in eternity.
Throughout Europe, Charlemagne's conquering warriors built Abbeys and carved the symbol above doorways as a reminder of the Christian Knights of Charlemagne. The symbol can still be seen on Churches and Chrisitian objects in the territory conquered by Charlemagne. His Kingdom was the basis for Medieval Europe between the years 700A.D. to 1200A.D.
The photograph below is the Casket of Mumma. Gilt copper repousse on wood reliquary. It was created in the middle part of the 7th century A.D., and is from the St. Beniot sur Loire Abbey Church. It shows the Twelve Apostles and below them the symbol denoting ascension and life ever after.
Casket Bronze - Courtesy of and permission from the University of Alabama Birmingham
Visit: Art History on the web
The Lombards 6th century to 774A.D.
The Lombard Kingdom was Christian and located in southern France and northern Italy. Lombard meant long beard, Longobardo. The Merovingian Franks conquered the Lombard Empire by 590A.D. A period of stability in the Lombard Monarchy was attained through marriages between Lombard Monarchy and Frankish Nobility. The Lombards retained their Monarchy under the Franks.
Below is a stone carving. It was made in Europe during the 8th century.
The photograph below is a Lombard marble altar closure slab of Magister Ursus, in honor of Duke Ilderic of Spoleto, 8th century, from Ferentillo, S. Pietro in Valle. Observe this design is placed in several locations on the marble altar.
Marble Altar - Courtesy of and permission from the University of Alabama Birmingham
The symbol was handed down, from generation to generation, as an icon of Christianity and cultural. It was the symbol of ascension and resurection of life, a sign of life eternal.
Cathedral of Pisa Italy, built between 1060A.D. and 1118A.D. (below)
There are two common designs between the Byland Abbey Mosaic and the Cathedral of San Paolo Al'Orto below.
Visit the Byland Abbey Mosaic at The British Museum.
Cathedral of San Paolo Al'Orto in Pisa Italy, completed in 1086 A.D. (below)
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