ROMAN INTAGLIO – AGATE – TWO ROOSTERS

Price upon request

ROMAN INTAGLIO – AGATE – TWO ROOSTERS

Period / Age: ca. 1st - 2nd Century A.D.

Provenance: Private English collection

Dimensions:

Hight: 7.5mm
Length: 10mm
Width: 2mm

The winning rooster is on the left. The defeated one is in a position of submission on his right side.

According to Greek legend, Alectryon – the ancient Greek word for “rooster” – was a young man who was chosen by Ares, the god of war, to stand guard outside his door while he engaged in an adulterous affair with the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Sadly, Alectryon fell asleep at his post, and Helios, the sun god, walked in on the passionate couple. Ares resentfully transformed Alectryon into a rooster, which never fails to announce the sun’s arrival in the morning.

A rooster symbolises masculine energy and aggression. If you have witnessed a rooster in a henhouse, you’ll observe that they are very aggressive, demanding, and territorial. A rooster is regarded as a virile and productive bird. It was once considered masculine to be progeny-productive, regardless of age, a rooster occupies an unusual place among birds/animals.

CONDITION: In good condition with a slight chip. Wear and tear marks. The item is described to the best of our knowledge. Please refer to the pictures and email us with any questions.