Casket with Warriors and Dancers. Culture: Byzantine. Dimensions: 8 x 11 3/8 x 7 1/2 in. (20.3 x 28.9 x 19.1 cm). Date: 11th century."If perchance you wish to exempt certain pagans from punishment, my Christ,/ May you spare for my sake Plato and Plutarch,/ For both were very close to your laws in both teaching and way of life./ Even if they were unaware that you as God reign over all,/ In this matter only your charity is needed,/ Through which you are willing to save all me while asking nothing in return."--John Mauropous (ca. 1000-1081)Classical literature and classical images were preserved throughout the Byzantine period. The erotes who dance and wage mock battles on the sides of this casket and tame a female panther on the lid recall imagery associated with the ancient pagan cult of the god Dionysos. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.