Description: Limestone panel, cut away above: w:
0.81 x h:
0.53 x d:
0.075.
Text: Inscribed on one face in the angles between the arms of a cross with forked
terminals; an incised line running from the two ends of the cross-bar encircles the upper part of the vertical of the cross.
Letters: Probably sixth century: 0.05-0.06;. Square sigma and omega; line 1, ΝΚΑ in ligature.
Date: Sixth century CE
Findspot:
Apollonia:
In Byzantine buildings west of the East church; found in 1954.
Original location: Unknown.
Last recorded location:
Apollonia Museum, 2008.
English translation
Translation source: Reynolds-Ward-Perkins-Goodchild, 2003
Christ is victorious. Alpha Omega.
Commentary
For an account of Christian νικᾷ acclamations, developing from pagan origins and expanding in close connection with the cult of the cross, see E. Peterson, ΕΙΣ ΘΕΟΣ (1926), 152 f.; Alan Cameron, Circus Factions (1972), 74-80.
Bibliography: Montet, 1954, 256; Reynolds, 1960, 11, whence SEG 17.820, PHI 324428; Reynolds, 1976, 30 and plate LXV; Reynolds-Ward-Perkins-Goodchild, 2003, 112.2.b.ii; mentioned Kenrick, 2013, 285.
Text constituted from: Transcription (Reynolds).
Images
Fig. 1. Face (2008, H.Walda)
Fig. 2. Face (Joyce Reynolds, I. 57)