Edessa was an independent kingdom from 163 B.C. to 242 A. D., and was the first kingdom to convert to Christianity. Moslems conquered Edessa in 639 A. D. In 944 AD, after protracted negotiations with Byzantium, the Image of Edessa was transferred to Constantinople. This painting is from the 11th century and shows the Holy Shroud being given to the Emperor of Byzantium.