Ancient Roman Bronze Ring - with Dual Evil Eye Motif (No reserve price)

Ancient Roman Bronze Ring with Dual Evil Eye Motif, 1st–3rd Century AD - Top Condition

This rare ancient Roman bronze ring, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, features a simple band with an oval bezel engraved with two punched circular motifs resembling eyes, a classic apotropaic design intended to protect the wearer from harm. The compact size and durable craftsmanship make it a wearable artifact that bridges everyday Roman life with deep-seated superstitious beliefs.

Symbolism & Historical Significance:
Evil Eye Motif: In ancient Roman culture, the evil eye (known as fascinus or oculi malus) was a pervasive belief in the power of envious glances to cause misfortune, illness, or bad luck. To counteract this, people wore amulets or jewelry with eye-like symbols to "stare back" and deflect the malice, turning the gaze upon itself. The dual eyes on this ring amplified this protective intent, symbolizing vigilance and divine safeguarding—often linked to gods like Fascinus (a phallic deity of protection) or associated with broader Mediterranean traditions influenced by Greek and Etruscan customs.

Such motifs were not merely decorative but served as talismans for personal security, reflecting the Romans' blend of rationality and superstition in daily life, where envy (invidia) was seen as a tangible threat in social, military, and commercial contexts.

Connection to Ancient Rome:
Rings like this were common among soldiers, merchants, and civilians across the empire, produced in workshops from Britain to the Levant. The punched technique highlights the era's metalworking efficiency, allowing mass production of protective items. Similar evil eye designs appear in archaeological finds from Pompeii, Roman villas, and military sites, underscoring their role in warding off dangers during travel, battles, or public interactions.

Condition: Top
Intact with a natural sand dark patina and minor earthen deposits from age, preserving the punched eye motifs clearly; the band shows light wear consistent with ancient use, adding to its authentic character.

Dimensions:
Inner Diameter: 16 mm
Weight: 1.96 g

Provenance:
Part of a private European collection, established in the 1980s. A provenance document and declaration of legal origin are available in PDF format upon request.

Note: Please examine the provided images for a detailed impression of the ring. The photos are highly magnified to showcase the details the best way possible; otherwise, the piece is even more beautiful and attractive in person.