SilverBracelet, mid 3rdCentury, Silver with carnelian intaglio, 5.7 × 6.6 cm (2 1/4 × 2 5/8in.), Yale-French Excavations atDura-Europos, This heavy silver bracelet is decorated with a diagonal ribbed pattern alternating with rows of dots. The hinge is in the form of a Herakles knot, in the center of which is a carved intaglio. This knot was a popular design in Greek, Egyptian, and Roman jewelry. Formed of two intertwined ropes, it sometimes had marital significance (tying the knot) or was used as a protective amulet to ward off evil. The symbol later became purely decorative. Such bracelets were worn by women in the upper classes of Roman society and can be seen in images of women in sculpture, painting, and mosaic (some examples are on view) as indications of their elevated socialstatus. , Excavated in Dura-Europos, Syria, Syrian,Dura-Europos, Greco-Roman orParthian, Jewelry