Ca. 100-300 AD. An amazing gold ring comprising a slender hoop with elaborately decorated shoulders and raised bezel with banded agate intaglio depicting the bust of helmeted god Mars above advancing gryphon. In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him, and in October, which began the season for military campaigning and ended the season for farming. Good, wearable condition.Size: D: 19.15mm / US: 9 1/4 / UK: S; 21.93gProvenance: From the private collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in before 2000 on the UK art market.