Tag: Byzantine military tradition

St George’s origins and his military background linked him to Byzantium and its military tradition. As early as the 6th century he is depicted in military garb, but on foot. From the 9th century onwards, he begins to be shown on horseback wielding a spear. The image of St George on horseback slaying evil – in its broadest sense – have dominated the iconography from the 11th-12th centuries until the present day.