c. 1st-2nd Century A.D.

A cast silver eagle, perched on integral plinth, wings folded with excellent incised feather detail. Well defined facial features with articulate pupils. Found in Israel. An extremely rare piece in very good condition.

1.34 inches (3.4 cms); 23.6 g

Shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in price.

Export Approval from Israel Antiquities Authority

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The silver eagle was the ensign of the Roman Legion and the symbol of its power. The legatus was the officer in charge, and he would assign an aquilifer who was the soldier that would carry the aquila (eagle) into battle. If the eagle was captured the legion would disband. It is interesting that Julius Caesar personally sanctified the eagle when the legion was brought forth. On one of the legion standards the powerful talons of the eagle are gripping golden thunderbolts, as the eagle stands ready for flight against all enemies of Rome. At the very top of the standard above the eagle is a gold bar with the inscription SPQR (Senatus Populus Romanus) honoring the Senate and the People. The ancient Roman eagle is important in the study of Biblical archaeology. As with the ancient Hebrews the eagle symbolizes divinity, the bird that comes from above.

Antiquities
Ancient Roman