THIS ITEM IS EXTREMELY RARE AND IS A PIECE OF HISTORY

SEE PICTURES FOR MEASUREMENTS.

Believed to be from the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD) The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, is considered a continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, with its capital in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

The Byzantine Empire's beginnings are often traced to 330 AD when Emperor Constantine I moved the Roman capital from Rome to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. 

An ancient Byzantine Empire carved stone statue depicting St. George slaying a dragon. This artifact, a part of exterior decor, portrays St. George, the legendary Roman soldier and Christian martyr, in the iconic scene of overcoming evil, a dragon snake, symbolizing paganism and chaos.

This significant piece of history more than likely was an architectural item that was a part of some sort of structure or building. To be preserved this well is absolutely astonishing.

The empire lasted for over 1100 years, until Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453. While the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, the Byzantine Empire, with its capital in Constantinople, continued to exist for another millennium. 

The Byzantine Empire played a significant role in preserving Roman culture, law, and art, and it influenced Eastern European and Slavic cultures.