Ancient Roman gold ring with Minerva intaglio. Set to centre with an oval hardstone intaglio in a closed back roman set setting, finely engraved with an image of the goddess of wisdom and war, Minerva, who is depicted wearing a helmet and holding a spear and olive branch in a signet ring design featuring a finely raised border and closed backholing, leading to broad trumpeting shoulders which taper to a solid shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 15.99 grams in weight, circa 3rd-4th century AD.
Minerva was the virgin goddess of music, poetry, medicine and wisdom. She is sometimes depicted with her sacred creature, an owl, which symbolised her association with wisdom. Minerva is commonly depicted as tall with an athletic and muscular build, as well as wearing armour and carrying a spear. As the most important Roman goddess, she is highly revered, honored, and respected. Minerva is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Athena.
