Caduceus, 2nd century, 26 1/8 x 12 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. ( x x cm) (approx.), Bronze, Roman, 2nd century, A winged rod with two snakes twined around it is an ancient emblem of messengers. Originating in Middle Eastern cultures such as Babylonia (in present-day Iraq), it became an attribute of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and communication, and of Hermes’ Roman counterpart, Mercury. In Roman myth, Mercury threw his staff at two snakes fighting on the ground, which then ceased fighting and became affixed to the staff

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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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