Roman cameo showing goose

Roman cameo of a goose, a bird dedicated to Goddess Juno. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Romans highly valued geese because, according to tradition, in 390 BCE, when they besieged the Capitol, they warned the defenders about the assault. In memory of this event, the ancient Romans carried one of the geese in a litter. Dogs that fell asleep with people were punished (one of them was hanged).

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