Roman carnelian intaglio with Ceres

1st - 2nd century AD

€ 450.00 VAT margin scheme

Article code: 23-0909
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Ceres (Greek Demeter) was a Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility. In Roman bridal processions, a young boy carried Ceres' torch to light the way.

She had the power to fertilize, multiply and fructify plant and animal seed, and her laws and rites protected all activities of the agricultural cycle.

Rome was always concerned to maintain a good supply of corn and depended heavily on supplies of grain from Egypt. Ceres was worshipped at her temple on the Aventine Hill, and had a festival, the Cerealia which was celebrated on April 19th.