Excavated from Rome. this artifact is bust/head of Minerva wearing a cornithian helmet, crafted from lead. Minerva was a Roman goddess of crafts and wisdom. The poet Ovid called her the goddess of a thousand works." Minerva was worshipped throughout Italy, though only in Rome did she take on a warlike character. Minerva is usually depicted wearing a coat of mail and a helmet, and carrying a spear. The length of the head is approximately 33mm.