ITEM: Snake ring MATERIAL: Silver CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st Century B.C - 1st Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 21 mm diameter CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, acquired before 1990s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license In Roman culture, the snake held various symbolic meanings. Firstly, it was associated with transformation and renewal, as the shedding of its skin represented the cycle of rebirth, making it a symbol of regeneration and healing. Secondly, snakes were linked to the deity Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, often depicted with a snake-entwined staff known as the Rod of Asclepius, which is still used as a symbol of healthcare today. Snakes also had connections to the concept of protection, as they were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. However, snakes could also symbolize deceit and danger, with the story of Cleopatra's death by snakebite reinforcing negative connotations associated with these reptiles. In Roman mythology, the serpent played a role in various legends, such as the snake in the Garden of the Hesperides, guarding golden apples, and in the story of Aesculapius, who learned the healing arts from observing snakes.