Roman Polychrome Tesserae Group

A gemstone with one side incised with the head of Zeus Serapis wearing a modius crown, seen in profile to the left, surrounded by Greek letters I,Λ,φ, ν, Λ,Λ,Ϲ,Ϲ,Ε,Δ; the other side with enigmatic inscription 'BIKIω PIΗΔνMΗ IΔ φI ΛA'. 0.86 grams, 12 mm



Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.

Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east. Usually a third of these gems carry magical words which shows that they were used as amulets or for some other ritual purpose. These magical gems were inscribed with acclamations or prayers that suggest they were used as amulets for protection (in this case of Serapis) or to acquire charm, but only some of them can be linked with some divinatory or prophylactic purpose.

A group of various weights comprising three biconical steelyard weights each with the remains of the iron loop, a barrel-shaped weight with five dots to one end, and a tabular-shaped weight with three large stamped dimples to one fate surface. 478 grams total, 24-34 mm



Found Rodings, Essex, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

A trio of bronze key rings with rectangular bits, including an openwork example. 13.9 grams total, 19-23 mm



Acquired in the 1970s. Important European collection.