Roman ring depicting an eagle

ITEM: Ring depicting an eagle
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 17 mm x 21 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Austrian private collection, acquired before 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

In the Roman period, the eagle held profound symbolic significance and was often associated with power, authority, and divine protection. Eagles were revered in Roman mythology as symbols of Jupiter, the king of the gods, and were also closely linked to the Roman military, where they served as emblems of Roman legions and standards. The eagle was considered a sacred bird, embodying qualities such as strength, courage, and victory, and its imagery was frequently used in various forms of Roman art, including jewelry such as rings.

Eagles depicted on Roman rings served both decorative and symbolic purposes. These rings often featured intricately carved or engraved eagle motifs, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of Roman jewelers. Eagle rings were worn by individuals of all social classes and genders, serving as symbols of allegiance to the Roman state, military prowess, or personal status and prestige.

The symbolism of the eagle in Roman rings extended beyond its associations with military might and divine protection. Eagles were also considered guardians of the soul and guides to the afterlife in Roman funerary beliefs. Rings adorned with eagle motifs may have been worn as talismans or amulets believed to offer protection and guidance to the wearer in this life and the next.