Posted on 11/09/2025 5:36:53 AM PST by SunkenCiv
BBC News reports that an intaglio that may have been set as a signet ring, Roman pottery, military items, jewelry, and a bronze lamp were unearthed at the site of Bremenium Fort, which is located in northern England. The fort is situated north of Hadrian's Wall on a Roman road that connected York to Corbridge and Melrose. The intaglio, carved from red stone, bears an image of two cupids picking grapes with a goat-like creature waiting beside them. Similarly carved intaglios have been found in Dalmatia and northern Italy. "It seems likely that the gem reflects the likely origin of the wearer who may have come from the Mediterranean," said archaeologist Richard Carlton of Newcastle University. To read about a knife handle found at Corbridge that depicts a gladiator, go to "Hero Worship."
(Excerpt) Read more at archaeology.org ...
Cupids and a Goat, or, first time across the Equator...
In the middle, I see an evil-looking sprite with pointed ears facing to the right.
I see a bird with a long beak standing on tiptoes to peck at a leaf or fruit on the tree branch.
Only the virtuous can see two cupids picking grapes. /s
I guess if you stared long enough at it you might see it. But I sure don't.
So, the psychologist says to the intaglio, “Are the two cupids and the goat in there with you right now?”
Me either... It looks like goobygook to me.
sort of a sidebar:
Mosaic depicting Cupids picking grapes,
Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO World Heritage, 1997),
Piazza Armerina, Sicily.
Roman Civilization, 4th Century.
(Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
House of the Vettii. Triclinium frieze.
Fresco with cupids carrying flower petals
https://araldodeluca.com/storage/1200/61000/61812.jpg
https://araldodeluca.com/en/image/61812
Museum Collection
Carthage National Museum, Byrsa
Type Mosaic
Context Roman Carthage
Date C4th A.D.
Period Late Roman
https://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.14.html
https://www.theoi.com/image/Z31.14Eros.jpg
That is a beautiful piece of work, whatever the carvings are...
I’m much too lazy to undertake such a project.
LOL
Som much history in my home county of Northumberland.
"Guys talk! Ya hear things!" ⛵
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