Ancient Roman Silver Fitting with Hercules Choking Snakes Circa 1st-3rd century AD This silver fitting vividly depicts the youthful Hercules in the act of choking a snake in each hand, a scene from one of his earliest and most famous myths. Hercules is portrayed nude, emphasising his strength and heroic stature. The fitting is hollow underneath, with three studs for attachment, suggesting it was once part of a larger object, possibly a ceremonial piece or item of armour. According to mythology, this scene represents Hercules as an infant, who, threatened by two serpents sent by Hera, displayed his divine strength by killing them both with his bare hands. This act was an early sign of his future as a legendary hero, known for completing the Twelve Labours and achieving immortality among the gods. Cf. The British Museum, Museum number 1897,0728.2. Dimensions: 50mm x 50mm; weight 24g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU.