ROMAN GOLD RING WITH NICOLO INTAGLIO

A perfect quality Roman gold ring with Nicolo Intaglio stone. The oval bezel is set with a Nicolo Intaglio engraved with a gladiator fighting a bear.

History of Wild Animals at the Colosseum – Ludus Matutinus

Animals such as zebras and ostriches were trained to pull chariots. Ultimately their own death when the wild animals were fought by the gladiators, or used as targets in staged animal hunts, but they were also put in the Colosseum to attack and kill defenceless prisoners. The more exotic the animal, the better the fight and the better the quality of the ‘games’

The display of exotic wild animals were an important part of the games. Originally the wild animals appeared as trained animal acts or to replicate hunting exploits. The types of animals used for these hunting shows were wild boar, bulls, bears, deer, stags, dogs, wolves, goats and antelopes. These shows were called venationes and the animal hunters were called venatores. The venatores were trained at a special training school called the Ludus Matutinus. The term Ludus Matutinus originated from the Latin for ‘morning school’ as the beast shows were originally scheduled as morning events at the Roman Colosseum. The Ludus Matutinus, or ‘morning school’, was established by the Emperor Domitian who was himself a great hunter. A Lanista was in charge of the training at the Ludus Matutinus Training school and procuring the animals.

Material: Solid Gold

Weight: 5,70 gram

Date: Roman, 1st – 3rd century AD

Measurement: internal diameter: 19 mm overall:  ca. 23 x 21 mm

Condition: Extremely fine condition

Source: Wild Animals at the Colosseum by Linda Alchin

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