Roman Gnostic Amulet (Lead, 3.37 g. 25 mm. ) Basileios, thytes (c. 2nd-4th century AD)

Roman Gnostic Amulet (Lead, 3.37 g. 25 mm. ) Basileios, thytes (c. 2nd-4th century AD)
Obv: Abrasax facing, with the head of a rooster and snakes for legs, holding a whip in his right hand and a shield with his left. Inscription: IAω.
Rev: ABPACAΞ with star-in-crescent above.
Cf. Elsen 124, 404; Rauch MBS 8, 685; Bucephalus 7, 1004.
The worship of the ancient demon Abrasax (or Abraxas) rose to great prominence in Roman times through the teachings of the Christian Gnostic Basilides of Alexandria (circa 85-145 AD), who called Abrasax the 'great archon' and the first of the 365 Gnostic Aeons. During the Roman Imperial Period, the production and use of Abraxas amulets became widespread in the west of Asia Minor through the commercial relations of Alexandria and Ephesus.

Year: circa 2nd-4th century AD
Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 3.37 g
Material: Lead