iBelgica
Lansky Auction 3 5 Jan 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
A Roman sardonyx cameo with a bust of Minerva. 2nd century AD. 25mm. From a private collection
The wisest of the Roman deities, Minerva was a goddess of intelligence, philosophy, craftsmanship, art and inspiration. From her position in the heavens, she oversaw all things that required forethought and calculation. In later incarnations, Minerva was also seen as a military figure, as well as the fount through which all strategic and tactical thought flowed. As with other Roman deities, the Minerva's worship was eclipsed by the rise of Christianity, which came to dominate Roman hearts and minds in the fourth century.
The wisest of the Roman deities, Minerva was a goddess of intelligence, philosophy, craftsmanship, art and inspiration. From her position in the heavens, she oversaw all things that required forethought and calculation. In later incarnations, Minerva was also seen as a military figure, as well as the fount through which all strategic and tactical thought flowed. As with other Roman deities, the Minerva's worship was eclipsed by the rise of Christianity, which came to dominate Roman hearts and minds in the fourth century.