Exceptional Arcon lock; Rome, 1st-2nd century... Lot 124

Exceptional Arcon lock; Rome, 1st-2nd century AD. Iron and bronze. Measurements: 34 x 23 cm; 7 x 3 x 2 x 2 cm (key); 11.5 x 1 cm. Rare and exceptional iron and bronze lock that preserves the key and locking mechanism, as well as the central plate. The central plate in square format is ornamented in relief. The keyhole was originally movable, although it is now fixed by a soldering point. On the sides are two ornamental appliqués in the form of a theatrical mask, while at the top is the bust of Minerva. In Roman mythology, Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, the arts and the techniques of war, as well as the protector of Rome and the patron saint of craftsmen. For the Greeks she is the goddess of war, civilisation, wisdom, strategy, science, justice and skill. She is one of the principal divinities of the Greek pantheon and one of the twelve Olympian gods. Athena was worshipped throughout Ancient Greece and throughout her area of influence, from the Greek colonies in Asia Minor to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Rome, the great empire, had its conquests, its expansion, its majestic buildings and its emperors. Rome stood out for being one of the civilisations that most developed urban planning, which gave rise to numerous technical advances, which in many cases were developed beyond their functionality.