This gem shows the goddess Athena in front of a tropaion or ‘trophy of arms’, a tree decorated with various weapons and armor elements. She is depicted engraving the letters ‘NI’, probably for Nikê, embodiment of military victory, on a shield.

The quality of the gem is outstanding, making the scene easily readable if used as a seal, or worn as adornment. While usually depicting the goddess Nikê, this particular piece focuses on Athena – symbol of the military planification – recognizable as she’s wearing her Corinthian helmet and confirmed by the presence of her domestic owl on one of the branches. Athena was also the protector of the city of Athens which was granted the status of ‘free city’ while being part of the Roman Empire.

Produced during the firts century BCE, this iconography will then be widely reused by the Romans to highlight their countless military victories and territorial expansion.