No 8D

Location: In the eastern exedra of the northern gallery, on the marble parapet of the third lodge (counting from west to east).

Material: Marble surface, 6th century.

Dimensions: Cross: 4.1 cm (height) × 1 cm (width); letter S: 0.8 cm (height) × 1 cm (width).

Condition: Deeply incised, not intersected by other marks.

Technique: Incised.

Description: The drawing represents a Latin cross superimposed on a Latin letter S.

Attribution: The "Crux Sanctus" monogram, serving an apotropaic function.

Publications: Toma Tomov, Četiri grafita ot „Sv. Sofija/Aja Sofija“ v Konstantinopol/Istanbul, V: HUMANITAS, PAIDEIA, ETHOS. Sbornik v čest na prof. d-r Cvetana Čolova, Sofija: NBU, 2025, 109-111.

Commentary: The letter S of the monogram can be interpreted as an abbreviation for "Sancti," which, combined with the cross (+), forms the phrase "Crux Sanctus" (Holy Cross). Alternatively, the monogram may represent a prayer invocation, such as "Crux, Salva me!" (Cross, save me!). In this interpretation, the cross serves as a symbolic invocation (invocatio symbolica). An expanded reading could be: the cross (+) stands for "In nomine Patris et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Crux..." and the S for "Salva me!". While it is difficult to determine which interpretation is more accurate, the first one (Crux Sanctus) appears more probable.

Date: Unknown.