A Roman Bronze Roundel of Zeus-Ammon, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

Decorative roundels such as this striking bronze example are some of the more mysterious objects in Roman art. While we know they served as adornments, the objects they once embellished, ranging from pieces of furniture to armor, were assembled from less durable materials and have long since disappeared, leaving behind these decorations only.

Here we see the god Zeus-Ammon, portrayed in raised relief, his generous curling hair, beard, and mustache; curling ram's horns to either side, his large, expressive, almond-shaped eyes of inlaid silver are further emphasized by thick incised eyebrows. There are four attachment holes to the flat rim that enable mounting to a larger composition.

The addition of Ammon to the god of gods, Zeus, comes from the Egyptian deity Amun, later fused with the Sun god, Ra, as Amun-Ra. His position as King of Gods developed to the point of virtual monotheism where other gods became manifestations of him. With Osiris, Amun-Ra is the most widely recorded of the Egyptian gods. As the chief deity of the Egyptian Empire, Amun-Ra also came to be worshipped outside of Egypt, in Ancient Libya and Nubia, and as Zeus Ammon came to be identified with Zeus, or Jupiter, in Ancient Greece and Rome.

Condition:  Expected signs of use with a fine green-brown patina throughout, piece is intact and in very condition overall. Presented on museum-quality custom mount.

Dimensions: Diameter 6 cm (2 1/4 inches)

Provenance: Clarence Schroder private collection, Florida, acquired prior to 1970.