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PHOKIS, Delphi. Circa 460-448 BC. AR Trihemiobol Head of ram right, dolphin below, facing head of goat, flanked by dolphins, all within incus square.
The significance of the ram in antiquity:
The ram was sacred in various entwined ancient civilizations, from as far back as the Mesopotamian civilization (approx 3000 BC), to the Etruscan, Egyptian and Greek civilizations. Furthermore the peace-loving and quite mystical Minoans also revered it as an all important symbol of fertility.
Additionally, the ram was seen as the incarnation of the Egyptian god Jupiter-Ammon. When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt he visited the shrine of Ammon (or Amun). Embracing the god, upon and after his visit, he dressed himself with the skin of a ream and the horns as a head-dress. Thereafter the horns of the ram (known as the horn of ammon) were depicted much like a crown in Alexander's portraits and depictions on Alexander's coinage
The dolphin in Minoan culture was adored and worshipped for its man-loving nature. The Minoans who loved the sea also used this animal as an emblem of speed and aggression on Aegean daggers and upon the decoration of ships.
Article group | Pendants |
Gender | For Him or Her |
Depiction | Rams |
Historic Period | Era: Classical |
Material | Solid Sterling Silver |
Diameter (excluding bails) | 29 mm (1and 9⁄64in) |
The ancient Greeks idolized intellect and spirit, while gods shared mortal passions and flaws to make themselves more accessible to humans. Beauty and harmony were truly at the heart of the ancient Greek civilization. This never fails to inspire our intellectual, scientific and spiritual worlds.
Each jewel uncovers an epic highlight from 5000 years of self-decoration and is curated with passion since 1928 by the Vaphiadis family, a virtuoso signature in the field for 5 generations. Our jewelry collection has been consistently preferred by various royalties, heads of state and international personalities and is also sold through a host of top world class museums such as the Louvre.
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