Magical Amulet from Paphos with the ιαεω- Palindrome

A significant archaeological discovery from Paphos, Cyprus, reveals a late Roman amulet (6th century AD) featuring a unique ιαεω- palindrome inscribed on its reverse. The amulet, unearthed during the 2011 Paphos Agora Project excavation, measures 39.41 x 41.32 x 4.81 mm and is crafted from siltstone. Its obverse depicts Harpocrates, Osiris, a crocodile, rooster, snake, half-moon, and star, while the reverse bears an eight-line Greek text translating to 'Yahweh is the bearer of the secret name, the lion of Re secure in his shrine.' The palindrome's 59 letters and the amulet's symbolism suggest a fusion of Eastern influences and solar motifs. Dated via Cypriot Red Slip Ware (AD 450-550), this artifact offers rare insight into late Roman magical practices and religious syncretism in Paphos.

Śliwa, J. (2013). Magical Amulet from Paphos with the ιαεω- Palindrome. Studies in Ancient Art and Civilisation, 17, 293–301. https://doi.org/10.12797/saac.17.2013.17.24