Ancient Roman Cerberus and Galenthias Intaglio Ring

Circa 200-300 A.D. an ancient talismanic Roman ring featuring a carnelian intaglio of a three-headed snake, representing Cerberus the three-headed guardian dog of the Underworld, shown menacing a cat likely intended to refer to either Galenthias or Gale, both of whom were priestesses who served Hecate (goddess of the Underworld), both turned into black cats as a result of infractions against other gods. 

This pagan tale is considered significant in contributing to the reason Christian folklore associates black cats with witches.

I feel a thrilled sense of awe to hold something in my hand that was worn 2,000 years ago. With the contemplation of how much of human history has passed between the moment of its creation, and the delicate weight of it now in my hands, comes a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for future generations.

Details: Measuring approximately 10.25 mm north to south across the face with a 3.7 mm width at the center back. The construction corresponds to ancient methods of goldsmithing: forming the bezel cup and hoop with thin sheets of high karat gold, carefully constructed to create a form that is relatively hollow but appears solid. As noted in "Rings of the Ancient World", Spier, page 14: Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79) wrote that Roman gem-set rings were often crafted of thin sheet gold so that if dropped the gold structure would crumble or dent, rather than chip or shatter the stone. 

The ring XRF tests to 21k, with silver and copper in the alloy, both metals used in ancient gold alloys. Weighs approximately 5.4 grams.

Similar ring types are shown in several reference texts, please see the last photo for examples from "Ancient Rings", T.N. Pollio, page 60. Also similar examples in The V & A Museum, accession numbers M.149-1909, 482-1871, and 488-1871. 

Size: Ancient Roman rings rings don't size on a mandrel the same way as modern rings, due to the shape of their hoops- often a D or oblong form. This example fits like a modern 8-8 1/2, though the volume of the hoop may seem odd at first to modern wearers. Personally I have a few of this type in my collection and prefer to wear them as pendants hung on silk cord.

The ring is not resizable.

Condition: Over all in excellent wearable condition. There are a few dings and marks but nothing obvious or disfiguring. With reasonable care and removal before strenuous activites like housework, sports, etc. the ring should well serve for this and future generations.