Find Spot record MDO19133 - Roman Gem from 48 South Street, Dorchester

A Roman intaglio in yellow translucent paste and depicting Hercules overpowering Cerberus, was found during the autumn of 1905 at 48 South Street, Dorchester.

A Roman intaglio in yellow translucent paste and depicting Hercules overpowering Cerberus, was found during the autumn of 1905 at 48 South Street, Dorchester. On its original discovery it was still attached to a corroded iron ring which has since been lost or corroded completely. It was found in association with a mid-1st century sword grip from a Gladius handle, and although it is not securely stratified it is thought to also be 1st century in date (1).

'The sword-handle was found in Dorchester in the autumn of 1905, by workmen excavating for layin foundations of a new building in South Street. It lay about 4 feet below the present ground level; nearly all the Roman remains, especially the mosaic floors, are found at that depth in Dorchester. One of the workmen afterwards pointed out the spot were it was unearthed. There was no trace of a hilt or blade.

Near the sword-handle was found an iron finger ring with small intaglio representing apparently Hercules and a lion, but the setting was entirely corroded. The Dorset County Museum acquired possession of the sword-handle and of the intaglio in March, 1906.'(2)

<1> Henig, M, 1971, Roman Gems In Dorset. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society., 183-6, no.1 (Article in serial). SDO10102.

<2> Society of Antiquaries of London, 1906, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London 21 (Serial). SDO10119.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:36PM