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A Gem of a find

A collection of 88 engraved gemstones of first to early third century date were found during the
excavation of the baths at Caerleon .

This is one of the largest single deposits to have been found anywhere throughout the entire
Roman Empire and they were found in the sediments of the large drain below the cold hall of the
baths
They include:

• Gem engraved with the god Mercury. He is shown holding the heralds wand with a head
of entwined snakes (caduceus) and a money bag, which are his attributes. As the god of
wealth he was a very popular charm.

• The goddess Roma. Made of Cornelian in the Second century AD. Symbolising in human
form the city of Rome
• Cresent Moon and Stars. Made of Citrine in the Second or third century AD. These
astrological symbols suggest the notion of eternity.

• The warrior goddess Minerva. Made of Nicolo in the first century AD. Minerva was
protectress of soldiers and had powers of healing.

• Eagle devouring a hare made in red jasper in the second or third century AD. The
imagery is military; the eagle signifying the imperial legions, is all powerful and
vanquishes all before it.
Author David Standing

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