Capricorn

3D ModelNoAI

Statuette of a capricorn. The capricorn lies on a pedestal-like rectangular plate. The head faces the narrow side of the pedestal and towers above it. The front legs are angled to the side of the body. The fish tail is folded over to the left like the tail of a dog and curved upward. At the transition from the goat’s forelimb to the fishtail, there is a kind of bandage across the back. The goat’s fur is indicated by engraving. On the underside of the pedestal is the two-line inscription LEG(io) XIIII / G(emina), the statuette was the property of the 14th Legion and was marked as such. Bronze; l 7,7 cm; h 4,9 cm; w 3,4 cm.

In addition to the legionary eagle, the legions carried standards with motifs similar to their coats of arms. The capricorn, a hybrid creature with the front part of a billy goat and the rear part of a fish, was a symbol of Roman rule on land and sea. The Capricorn is documented as a sign of legio XIIII Gemina Martia victrix.

Model: © Landessammlungen Niederösterreich, Niederösterreich 3D