ROMAN GOLD CLUB OF HERCULES PENDANT

Circa 100-300 AD.Exceptional gold club-shaped pendant comprising circular suspension loop and flaring body terminating in a rounded head. The body of the club is decorated with applied garnets and spirals, the bottom with green glass. Hercules was a Roman hero and demigod, the Roman equivalent of the Greek Herakles. He was famed for his strength and his many adventures, which he undertook while armed with his trusty club. In Roman religion, Hercules’ club became a symbol of his power and the protection he could afford to his followers. This beautiful piece probably belonged to a faithful priest or priestess of the demigod. Mounted on a modern gold necklace.Size: L:38.9mm / W:11.4mm ; 5.55gProvenance: Central London privare collection of Ancient Art and jewellery; acquired since the 1970s on the UK and European art markets.