Roman Period Terracotta Sculpture of a Ram

Since earliest antiquity, the ram has been a favorite creature in myth and legend: one thinks of Jason and the golden ram’s fleece, Abraham offering a ram at the last minute in place of his son Isaac, and the heavenly zodiac sign of Aries. This proud animal with magnificent curving horns seems to epitomize the essence of the ram. It was no doubt offered centuries ago as a votive to some ancient god, though which one we cannot say. We do not know if the wishes of the votary were granted, but such a splendid gift could hardly have failed to please.