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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)
Mark is a full-time author, 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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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. Web. 06 Feb 2023.