The box is one of a small number to survive from the 4th through 7th centuries, most carved with mythological (pagan) or Christian subjects. Often called "pyxides" (Greek for "boxes"), they served a variety of functions, such as holding incense or a woman's jewelry. The walls of this one contain two episodes from Greek mythology. First, the Olympian gods are seen feasting around a tripod table and holding the golden Apple of the Hesperides. In the next scene, Hermes, is presenting the apple to Aphrodite, chosen by Paris over Athena and Hera (shown to her sides) as the most beautiful among goddesses.
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<span lang="en">Anonymous</span> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Byzantine_Empire" class="extiw" title="w:en:Byzantine Empire"><span title="Roman Empire during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages">Byzantine Empire</span></a>)<span style="display:none">Unknown author</span></div>
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