Ancient Roman Bronze Zoomorphic - Engraved Lion and Solar Star Ring (No reserve price)
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Bronze Ring with Engraved Lion and Solar Star, 1st–3rd Century AD
This authentic ancient Roman bronze ring, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, features a slightly raised bezel finely engraved with a lion beneath a star or solar symbol. The composition is simple yet powerful, combining two of the most important emblems in the ancient world: the lion and the sun / celestial star.
The ring is cast in solid bronze and covered with a stable, naturally formed dark earthen patina, enhancing its historical character and authenticity.
Design Features
Material: Solid bronze with ancient, undisturbed patina
Bezel: Hand-engraved depiction of a lion with a star / sun symbol positioned directly above it
Style: Provincial Roman / Eastern Roman influence, reflecting cross-cultural symbolism
Measurements
Inner diameter: 15.8 mm
Weight: 3 g
Symbolism & Historical Context
In the Roman and broader Mediterranean world, the lion was a powerful symbol of:
Strength and courage
Divine protection
Royal and military authority
Solar power and masculine vitality
The star or sun symbol placed above the lion adds an important layer of meaning. In Roman, Near Eastern, and Egyptian traditions, this combination is associated with:
Solar deities such as Sol, Mithras, Ra, or Shamash
Divine kingship and heavenly protection
The belief in cosmic order and victory over darkness
Apotropaic (evil-repelling) power
Such rings were often worn as protective amulets, invoking the strength of the lion and the life-giving, eternal energy of the sun. The motif may also reflect Eastern influences within the Roman Empire, where lion-sun imagery was especially popular in Syria, Egypt, and Anatolia.
This was both a personal talisman and a symbolic status marker for the wearer.
Condition
Very good condition for its age
Clear and legible engraving
Stable patina and surface wear consistent with over 1,700 years of burial and handling
Structurally intact and wearable
Provenance
From a former European private collection, acquired in the 1980s.
A declaration of legal origin and provenance document can be provided as a PDF upon request.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Ancient Roman Bronze Ring with Engraved Lion and Solar Star, 1st–3rd Century AD
This authentic ancient Roman bronze ring, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, features a slightly raised bezel finely engraved with a lion beneath a star or solar symbol. The composition is simple yet powerful, combining two of the most important emblems in the ancient world: the lion and the sun / celestial star.
The ring is cast in solid bronze and covered with a stable, naturally formed dark earthen patina, enhancing its historical character and authenticity.
Design Features
Material: Solid bronze with ancient, undisturbed patina
Bezel: Hand-engraved depiction of a lion with a star / sun symbol positioned directly above it
Style: Provincial Roman / Eastern Roman influence, reflecting cross-cultural symbolism
Measurements
Inner diameter: 15.8 mm
Weight: 3 g
Symbolism & Historical Context
In the Roman and broader Mediterranean world, the lion was a powerful symbol of:
Strength and courage
Divine protection
Royal and military authority
Solar power and masculine vitality
The star or sun symbol placed above the lion adds an important layer of meaning. In Roman, Near Eastern, and Egyptian traditions, this combination is associated with:
Solar deities such as Sol, Mithras, Ra, or Shamash
Divine kingship and heavenly protection
The belief in cosmic order and victory over darkness
Apotropaic (evil-repelling) power
Such rings were often worn as protective amulets, invoking the strength of the lion and the life-giving, eternal energy of the sun. The motif may also reflect Eastern influences within the Roman Empire, where lion-sun imagery was especially popular in Syria, Egypt, and Anatolia.
This was both a personal talisman and a symbolic status marker for the wearer.
Condition
Very good condition for its age
Clear and legible engraving
Stable patina and surface wear consistent with over 1,700 years of burial and handling
Structurally intact and wearable
Provenance
From a former European private collection, acquired in the 1980s.
A declaration of legal origin and provenance document can be provided as a PDF upon request.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Roman
Metal
Bronze Zoomorphic - Engraved Lion and Solar Star
Century/ Timeframe
1st - 3rd Century A.D
Acquired from
Private collection
Total weight
3 g
Year acquired
2024
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Country acquired from
Europe
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
