Ancient Roman Dionysus intaglio ring. Set with an oval carnelian intaglio finely engraved with a standing figure of Dionysus holding a thrysus and drinking cup, in a closed back rubover setting, with smoothly rounded trumpeting shoulders tapering through to a solid D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 21.61 grams in weight, circa 2nd century AD, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence analysis report stating the composition of the metal.
It is believed that the god Dionysus (Bacchus) originated in Thrace, from where his cult spread to Greece and later Rome. Born from the union of Zeus and Persephone, as a child Dionysus was raised by the satyr and Silenus. In adulthood, Dionysus traveled East to India, spreading his knowledge of arts and crafts, agriculture and in particular, wine-making. On his return, he encountered the Cretan princess Ariadne, whom he married and together they ascended to the heavens.
Known as the god of wine, Dionysus is seen here with his attributes - the thrysus (a staff topped with a pine cone) and drinking cup.
