148 Sun-god Helios

Museum Description: Bronze Figure of the Sun-god Helios

Room: 69/Case: 34/Number: GR 1865.0712.17

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:16

Helios was the Roman sun god, and is the origin of the word 'halo'.  The practice of representing gods with a circle of light, though, is much older.  Ironically, this statue has lost its halo, but we can still see the struts that would have held it in place.

Often in Christendom's religious art Jesus, Mary, angels and the 'saints' are depicted with the familiar halo around their head.  Even in popular culture, a 'good' person is often shown with a halo, whereas a 'bad' person is shown as the devil.  Where did this practice originate?  Here it is plain to see, and it can actually be traced all the way back to Babylon, where a circle of light was the symbol of their sun god.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.