ishtargates: Plaque of Saint Simeon (Symeon) the Stylites (also called Simeon the Elder), end of the

ishtargates:

Plaque of Saint Simeon (Symeon) the Stylites (also called Simeon the Elder), end of the 6th century, originally apart of the treasure of the church of Maarat al-Numaan in northeastern Syria.  Now in the Louvre Museum.

Saint Simeon the Stylites was known for living on top of a pillar for many years in order to avoid the temptations of the world, which is most likely what the snake represents.  Despite having a feast day in Western Christianity (January 5th) he is not that well know, although he remains an important figure for Syriac Christians.   

To see translations of three different biographies of Saint Simeon see the collection The Lives of Simeon Stylites.  Translated by Robert Doran.  Cistercian Publications: Kalamazoo, MI, 1992.   

~Hasmonean 

Interesting