Thecruces gemmataeof Oviedo between the eleventh and twelfth centuries
Raquel Alonso Álvarez
Two early medieval jewelled crosses are preserved in the treasury of Cathedral Oviedo. The first, known as Cross Angels, was donated by King Alfonso II year 808. second, so-called Victory, given a gift to III 908. original function these remains unknown, sources silent on subject. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that earlier two displayed main altar Oviedo before twelfth century, while it seems likely second cross functioned processional cross. Around turn bishops began develop propagandistic programme using series old objects were incorporated into new discursive contexts, particular corpus texts redacted Pelayo (1089–1153), consisting Liber Testamentorum and Corpus Pelagianum. From this point on, became stars legendary tales, whose enduring popularity has helped preserve objects. This article reviews historiographic process which first transformed acheiropoieton, Christian battle standard at Battle Covadonga.
Journal of Medieval Iberian Studies