The depiction, which is very widespread on gems but controversial because of its interpretation, was reappraised at the turn of the century by Andreas Furtwängler. The great scholar saw in it a representation of the "Lanuvian Saga". The Latin city of Lanuvium was the site of the temple and sanctuary of the goddess Iuno Sospita. The famous sanctuary was to be renovated and the cult restored to its former significance, according to a senate resolution of the year 90 BC.
The crow was the sacred bird of Iuno Sospita. Ancient written sources tell us that the crows had built a nest in the cella of the temple, which was considered a prodigy. Besides the crow, another animal was considered sacred in the grove, the serpent of the goddess. (AVS)
Former August Kestner Collection, Rome
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