Achaemenid Empire, Serpent Headed Silver Ring - c. 530 to 350 BCE - Ancient Middle East

Includes glass top display box.

This silver ring dates back to the Achaemenid Empire, and features the heads of two serpents facing each other. It is in excellent condition and could potentially even be wearable. However, this is never something we can recommend with ancient jewelry, due to the risk of damage as well as harmful additives like lead possibly being present in the metal.

Jewelry with snake headed terminals such as this are well documented in museum collections around the world. A museum quality example can be found in the digital galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, though theirs is a slightly later Seleucid piece from the same region.

The rings measure approximately 25mm in diameter.

(Map source)

The Achaemenid Empire

Founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE, the empire marked the first great Persian Empire and became one of the largest empires in history. Stretching from the Indus Valley to the Balkans, it encompassed various cultures, religions, and languages, and thrived under the principles of tolerance and efficient administrative systems. After about two centuries, the empire's decline began with a series of revolts and was hastened by the ambitious conquests of Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE. Within a relatively short span, the mighty Achaemenid Empire crumbled, making way for the rise of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire.

All purchases include a Certificate of Authenticity. You will receive the exact item in this photo, along with a glass top leatherette display box.