(Forgive the many uploads today... I've got a bit of catch-up to do and Am trying to stagger them....)
Thought this was super - it's a tin mask of a roman deity, with sockets for glass bead eyes and it could have been carried in procession by priests. It was found in a drain near the spring in Bath....
I think perhaps I'm struggling to deal with the many years involved here, but how did a mask of a god end up discarded in a drain?
Thought he looked a bit like a smiley Santa..?
Roman places fell into ruin when they pulled out, different gods were worshipped so temples were pulled down and Roman gods were trashed - you're talking about one of the influxes of early Christianity supplanting the various Roman deities. Roman stuff is quite a way down in the layers and detritus you find in sites. (I've done a certain amount of archaeology - I might wander up and see what they are up to this week, if I don't end up doing all the catering for free again)
@shannew I'm sure you're absolutely right... I struggle to get my head 'round the many centuries we're talking about. After thinking 'how old and well preserved' regency Bath is, and how amazing that the roman baths are still in such good shape with statues etc I went stone-hugging in Avebury.... ooh yes, just a bit older. For someone who feels that the thumbnail challenge was ages ago I find it all bewilderingly fascinating! I bet archaeology is wonderful to do
mmm - Romans - 1500 - 2000 years ago, pretty much, Regency Bath 200 years, Avebury - well, that's a bit moot, but maybe 3000 years, maybe 150, the Victorian landowner "improved" things. I ran an archaeology club in school when I was playing Learning Mentor and had them produce time lines - that was fascinating.
@filsie65 Thought your caption was interesting but the discussion that follows is even better. You know my interest in the "age" of things. Another of the benefits of this project.
Wow...great capture. Love that there's just a hint of a reflection on the glass. It makes it almost seem as if the mask is trying hypnotize the viewer. Great lighting and pov.
That's a good question! Perhaps it wasn't supposed to end up in the drain but somehow it managed to land there. The Roman feasts could get pretty wild and crazy. And people will do strange things when they've had a little too much grape! Nice shot.
Roman places fell into ruin when they pulled out, different gods were worshipped so temples were pulled down and Roman gods were trashed - you're talking about one of the influxes of early Christianity supplanting the various Roman deities. Roman stuff is quite a way down in the layers and detritus you find in sites. (I've done a certain amount of archaeology - I might wander up and see what they are up to this week, if I don't end up doing all the catering for free again)
LOL @olivetreeann