# About the Phylacteries

These phylacteries (scrolls of parchment) are treated and placed differently on each face. There was likely a painted inscription on them, perhaps the opening words of their Gospels.

The sculptor demonstrates his craftsmanship by creating movement in the scene and giving each winged being a distinct personality.

Other phylacteries appear on statue-columns representing apostles, recognizable by their bare feet, and prophets, distinguished by their shod feet.

Only one engraved inscription has been found on the fragment of the statue-column representing Olibrius, governor of Antioch, which allows for his identification.