Historically, the covers of religious texts have been richly decorated. This was particularly the case in the Byzantine Empire. Christian texts of this era were decorated with the aim of provoking a feeling of awe among the faithful, as well as glorifying the word of God in the Scriptures. (142 depicting the Bible) The book's cover with a cross flanked by cypresses, part of the Treasury of Zion, is an exquisite example of the decorative covers created for Christian texts of the early Byzantine Empire. (QUOTE). The book cover is one of a pair and is currently on display with its identical partner. (page 72 of Frazer). Since its discovery in 1963, questions have been raised regarding the panel, and whether it was actually created as a book cover. However, evidence suggests that the panel and its companion were not only intended for use as book covers, but also as covers for a book of the Gospels that would have been considered particularly important. Byzantine tradition included the use of rich materials on their book covers, and this cover is no different. Made of silver with gilded sections, the book has a sumptuous appearance. The silver surface would have been hammered by the artist (Exxlesiastical newman et lie 78), then the pattern was created using techniques of embossing and chasing ((lowden p. 24)), creating a three-dimensional surface, similar to a bas-relief sculpture. . While other book covers would have been secured with nails, the artist created this piece large enough that its edges could be folded over the wooden board of a manuscript cover to secure it, leaving the imagery of silver panel uninterrupted by nails. . ((frazer pg 72)) The panel is imbued with symbolism. The imagery on the book cover...... middle of paper ......compared to other book covers discovered with Zion's Treasure, it has very little damage, and the gilding is very good preserved, indicating that the book had probably been rarely handled. ((lowden 29)) The large size and greater weight of the panels support this, as does the special treatment of attaching the panel to the roofing panel without the use of nails. The book that would have been contained behind this cover was probably not a book intended for daily liturgical hours, but reserved for use at special masses. Thus, this book would have been important, viewed with more respect than an ordinary biblical text. Although there has been debate regarding the function of the Zion Treasury panels, the evidence indicates that their role as book covers is very likely. (more sentences, perhaps introduce the role of the church?)