arly Roman Bronze Owl Pendant – Cross-Marked This bronze pendant dates to the Early Roman period and features a stylized owl representation, a symbol historically associated with vigilance, wisdom, and nocturnal guardianship. In Roman and late antique symbolic traditions, the owl was also attributed protective and apotropaic qualities, believed to ward off negative influences. The surface is decorated with punctuated cross-like markings, which may represent abstract protective signs or symbolic motifs rather than explicit religious iconography. Such marks are characteristic of personal amulets and talismans from the Roman world, where meaning was often conveyed through simplified or coded visual language. The pendant measures 48 mm in height and 14 mm in width, giving it an elegant elongated form. It is crafted from cast bronze and displays a well-preserved natural green and brown patina, consistent with long-term age and burial conditions. Minor surface wear and corrosion are present, in line with its antiquity. Overall, this piece stands as an intriguing example of Early Roman symbolic jewelry, reflecting the continued use of animal imagery combined with abstract signs for personal protection and identity.