Abstract
The article deals with an iron ring with intaglio depicting a scolopendra. It was discovered during 2017–2018 archaeological excavation at the necropolis of the Rostov Settlement. The ring was among grave goods in the burial no. 79 dating from the second half of the 2nd century AD, located on the eastern edge of the necropolis. The appearance of the ring with the image of scolopendra in the burial seems not to be occasional. Rings were mainly used either as seals or as amulets. Symbols of protection or abundance were the most popular depictions on gems and metal rings. In the context of the published discovery, the fl oor mosaic of the 2nd century AD from the House of Evil Eye in Antioch is of considerable interest. It shows the scene of attack on the evil eye, which includes some of the symbols of the fi ght against the evil eye, thus confi rming the protective functions of such images in glyptics.
It must be emphasized that the appearance of the centipede in the mosaic and on the ring, apparently, is a consequence of the infl uence of Eastern beliefs; it turns out to be associated with one of the deities of ancient Egypt. Sepa is known as the protector god and patron of the dead. It is known that in the beliefs of the Egyptians centipede was considered dangerous animals, originating from the «lower» fauna, close to the ground. Egyptian infl uence on Greek culture can be traced even before the Hellenism, with the onset of which Egyptian cults fi nally penetrated into Greek mythology. The cultural interaction of Rome and Egypt had no less signifi cance, especially in the first centuries AD. At this time, Greek-Egyptian magical gems are also widely known.
The iron ring with an image of centipede brings us to the important topic of studying the general ideas of peoples about the protective functions of certain animals. Apotropaic magic was very common in various regions, which was refl ected in glyptics.
Keywords
Archaeology, Northern Black Sea region, Lower Don, finger rings, gems, apotropaic magic, centipede, glyptics, metalworking
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