In Ancient Roman religion, the moon was personified as ‘Luna’ and associated with Diana, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, youth and virginity. Many of Diana’s cults (‘cult’ here meaning localised centres of religious practice) were based in woodland groves, but her most important temple was at Ephesus, considered one of the ancient wonders of the world. An adaptation of her Greek counterpart, Artemis, she was also amalgamated with the goddesses Selene and Hecate and worshipped triformis, as a Triple Goddess in accordance with the three stages of the moon: waxing, full and waning. Diana’s Triple Goddess form was also a guardian of crossroads, symbolically associated with decision-making and growth. Lunar imagery of spheres and crescents is prevalent throughout the ancient Mediterranean. From the lunar cults of Rome to the Hathor symbol of Egypt, and was likely identified with apotropaic properties concerning female protection, harmony with nature and the turn of time.
In Ancient Roman society, jewellery was an essential accessory, providing the wearer with a public display of their wealth, social status, and identity. Gold and silver pieces were worn by the wealthier members of Roman society, while bronze and other metals provided a cheaper alternative for lower social classes. Earrings are known as one of the first forms of jewellery, found adorning both men and women as early as the Bronze Age. Pliny the Elder attested to the popularity of earrings, with pearl earrings being especially popular among women.
Obsidian is an igneous rock that has been in use by humanity since prehistoric times. The stone was prized in ancient civilisations for both its aesthetic and practical capacities and its use was almost ubiquitous, with artefacts discovered from the Romans, to the Japanese, to the Mayans. Movements of obsidian throughout the Near East is one of the earliest examples of organised trade in antiquity, laying the foundations for the expansion of civilisation.
To discover more on ancient metalwork, please see our relevant blog post: Decorative Metalwork Techniques
To discover more on ancient Roman goddesses, please see our relevant blog post: Roman Goddesses in Mythology
