Pelta

The pelta (also known as the "Amazon shield") is a crescent-shaped symbol characterized by two recesses at its upper edge. In mythology, it is associated with the Amazon warriors, who are portrayed in ancient artwork as carrying peltae into battle. This symbol became a popular form in Greco-Roman art, and its usage in mosaics and other kinds of artistry spread throughout the Hellenized and Roman world.
As a religious symbol, the pelta was adopted by Samaritan Christians of the first few centuries of the Common Era to represent their identity as distinct from the Jews, and perhaps to gain acceptance from their Roman overlords, since they were often persecuted. Remains of Samaritan buildings and graves evidence their use of the symbol.
Today, the pelta is used by descendants of Christianized Samaritans. They employ this symbol alongside others as being representative of their heritage. 
==External links==
*http://www.scribd.com/doc/57154333/Magen-David-Symbol-Research-From-the-1st-to-the-11th-Century-C-E
*http://zeevgoldmann.blogspot.com/2008/08/vi-pelta-amazon-shield.html
*http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeevveez/galleries/72157624164250885/
Category:Symbols