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EUROPEAN CROSS NECKLACE, 9th-12th CENTURY - Fagan Arms
EUROPEAN CROSS NECKLACE, 9th-12th CENTURY - Fagan Arms
EUROPEAN CROSS NECKLACE, 9th-12th CENTURY - Fagan Arms
EUROPEAN CROSS NECKLACE, 9th-12th CENTURY - Picardi Jewelers

EUROPEAN CROSS NECKLACE, 9th-12th CENTURY

A8609

$195.00 Sale

The emergence from the Dark Ages is embodied in the rise to power of the Frankish King, Charlemagne in 768 (founder of the Holy Roman Empire after 800) followed by conquering southern Europe from France to Italy and much of Northern Europe. The condition for peace was acceptance of Christianity, under penalty of death. Charlemangne’s 782 Capitulatio de partibus Saxoniae prescribed laws for Saxons which included being baptized. Failure to do so was punishable by death. “If any one of the race of the Saxons hereafter concealed among them shall have wished to hide himself unbaptized, and shall have scorned to come to baptism and shall have wished to remain a pagan, let him be punished by death”.
The conversion was effective and Northern Europeans, primarily Saxons, wore small crosses to affirm their Christianity. This example is just over 1” in height, with a cross beam above the center, large spherical beam terminals, and a square block at the junction. One side of the block bears a faint saltire and the other plain. Surface textured from burial. Professionally refurbished with the 24karat gold overlay restored. On a gilt Sterling silver neck chain, gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.