In ancient times wealthy Romans loved to wear jewellery usually made from gold and silver decorated with pearls and coloured glass. These included earrings, bracelets, amulets, necklaces, pendants, cameos, rings and various types of head jewellery.

Images of wildlife were used on architecture, art, mosaics and tombstones. The most popular animals were horses, dogs, lions and elephants; sea creatures were dolphins, fish, octopuses and turtles; birds were owls, peacocks, parrots and dicks.

Many of these creatures were kept as pets, as status symbols or were a delicacy on the dinner table.

This Roman octopus is made from lead-free pewter and is supplied on a waxed cord. The information on the reverse of the card explains how the Romans loved jewellery and how wildlife featured in their art.