100-300 AD. Roman. Gold sun disk amulet comprising a rounded ribbed suspension loop and disc-shaped pendant with spiral decoration. The sun stands for Sol Invictus (Latin for: "Unconquered Sun"), a major divinity in Late Roman religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldier and became part of official state religion in AD 274 under the Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century as St Augustine felt it necessary to preach against Sol to his Christian congregation. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it a in hope of protection during military campaigns. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: L:22mm / W:20mm ; 2.4g; Provenance: Property of a London gentleman, formerly with the Parthenon gallery, previously in an old English collection formed in the 1980s.