Satyr Weight

3D Model

This exceptionally fine weight is in the form of a satyr. Half-human, half-goat, Roman satyrs are depicted as squat, ugly men with goat legs, tail and ears. Followers of Bacchus, god of wine, they appear regularly in art and literature, dancing and playing music. But Roman satyrs are typically far less rowdy than their Greek equivalents.

It is likely that the satyr depicted here is Silenus, Bacchus’ tutor, who is often depicted as older and more drunk than the rest of the god’s followers.

The weight was made sometime in the 2nd century AD and probably imported from the continent.

From the Richborough Roman Fort collection

Model by Historic England Geospatial Survey Team