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Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
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Roman intaglio (Mars)
Complete. Mars stands facing front and left, holding a spear vertically before him with his right hand, his left hand resting on a shield behind him. He wears a plumed and crested helmet, tunic and cloak. Projecting from his right elbow is what may be meant as part of a trophy. Shows only slight trace of wear.
This is one of 88 engraved gemstones retrieved in 1979, mostly from the filling of a large drain beneath the cold hall of the fortress baths. The gemstones would originally have been set in finger-rings, and served as signets and charms or talismans for their owners. They were products of extremely skilled craftsman who worked on a minute scale without the aid of magnification. The gems are engraved with a wide range of deities, personification and symbols.
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Site Name: Caerleon Fortress Baths, Caerleon
Notes: from the site of the frigidarium at the baths
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