Roman ring with phallus
An antique Roman ring with an embossed phallus (a symbol of fertility and good fortune). The find dated to the first century CE.
The circumference of this ring is too small to be worn by an adult. So, it certainly belonged to the child. According to the beliefs of the Romans, the image of a phallus on children’s objects was to bring happiness to a young person and protect him from witchcraft and the “evil eye” (fascinatio) – an ancient belief that the gaze of certain people can bring suffering and unhappiness, such as poverty, illness or even death.
Phallus in the Roman world was a very positive symbol and, unlike our time, did not offend the Romans.
