Bronze Hand, Roman Ship Decoration

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Mark Cartwright
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published on 17 December 2013
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These bronze hands would have decorated the end beams of a Roman ship. They were placed at the end of beams running parallel with the ship's long axis, two either side and with the arm horizontal and thumb pointing upwards. They were believed to ward off evil. This example dates to 37-41 CE. (Palazzo Massimo, Rome)

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About the Author

Mark Cartwright
Mark is a full-time writer, researcher, historian, and editor. Special interests include art, architecture, and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the WHE Publishing Director.

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APA Style

Cartwright, M. (2013, December 17). Bronze Hand, Roman Ship Decoration. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2193/bronze-hand-roman-ship-decoration/

Chicago Style

Cartwright, Mark. "Bronze Hand, Roman Ship Decoration." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified December 17, 2013. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2193/bronze-hand-roman-ship-decoration/.

MLA Style

Cartwright, Mark. "Bronze Hand, Roman Ship Decoration." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 17 Dec 2013, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2193/bronze-hand-roman-ship-decoration/. Web. 20 Jun 2025.

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