ROMAN GOLD EARRINGS FROM BYBLOS.
Circa 3rd Century A. D
"Said to be from the most ancient city of Byblos, in Phoenicia. Byblos, like most of the Phoenician cities offered little or no resistance to Alexander upon his arrival, for many were eager to shed their Persian overlords. They were quickly assimilated into his conquests and continued with business, more or less as usual."
Reputedly from Byblos. The tapering twisted wire hoops with oval shields with stylized 'face' with spiral wire and granulated eyes, nose and mouth, the ribbed collar with four pendant gold spheres ornamented with rigid granulated borders and rectangular drops.5.2 cm long maximum.
Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Hern. H. A. Bense-Brand: sold Sotheby's London, 14 December 1995, part Lot 223.
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