Hercules, c.30 BC-20 (bronze with silver and copper inlays)

Half-human, half-divine, not very bright but amazingly strong, this hero was the most popular of all mythological figures. Ordinary people could identify with his intellectural weakness, while his persistence in undergoing great trials gave them hope in their own earthly struggles. Roman artists often portrayed Hercules as middle-aged, as though greater maturity increased his power and virility. In his most famous adventure, Hercules slew a monster lion--the scourge of Nemea (near Corinth)--by strangling it and beating it with his olive-wood club. Forever after, he wore the beast's pelt as a trophy. This statuette's right hand once held a club.