Solid gold "armilla" representing a horned viper, recognizable by the protuberances on the head. This type of serpent bracelet, worn on the upper arm, appeared in Egypt in the 1st century BC. and continues to be worn today.
It is not known if it was inspired by the legend of the death of the great Cleopatra, ...
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Solid gold "armilla" representing a horned viper, recognizable by the protuberances on the head. This type of serpent bracelet, worn on the upper arm, appeared in Egypt in the 1st century BC. and continues to be worn today.
It is not known if it was inspired by the legend of the death of the great Cleopatra, the last queen of the Lagidis dynasty, who, defeated by Octavius, had a basket of figs and flowers containing a venomous asp brought to her. This piece with finely-engraved scales was a powerful protective charm : as the bite of this snake was fatal, who would dare attack someone who bears its image ?
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