One large silver pan (patera)
Decorated with scenes from th life of Apollo. The recipient was turned up side down to protect the other objects
On the obverse, in the middle, a medallion with the head of Octavian, laureate, right. The two words of the inscription in relief, OCTAVIVS CAESAR, are arranged symmetrically on each side of the. portrait.
A snake describes a circle around the edge of the cup, with the head touching the tail.
Between the central medallion and the serpent runs a frieze with motifs relating to the myth of Apollo, Neptune, Mercury, and the inscription in relief, ACTIVS.
On the reverse side, the circular base on which the cup rests is surrounded by a crown of petals, and encloses in its middle a great flaming sun, which stands out against a gray background. It bears the inscription: V.S.C.P.// II / XII..
The various scenes which compose the circular frieze between the serpent and the central medallion, run from left to right, clockwise, according to the principle of the Indo-European arts. The initial point is fixed by the head of the serpent and the point terminus by its tail, above the temple of Apollo, motive towards which all the others converge.
One sees succeed
A. Scenes of struggles and victories.
I. Apollo against the serpent Python.
II. Apollo against the Cyclops.
B. Scenes of peace and prosperity.
II. Apollo and Neptune found the walls of Troy.
IV. Mercury sitting, god of abundance.
C. Cult rendered to Apollo Actius.
V. Apollo with lyre, altar, temple, and the inscription ACTIVS.
Quantity
1
Weight
520 g
Diameter
14 cm
Material
Silver
Hoard
References:
Reference
This object
Yes
