1st century AD. A bronze bull with thin body and broad head, prominent muzzle, large round eyes, half-moon horns; pointed ears, the crop is hanging and flat, the legs originally joined by a plate. Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 239ff, for similar figures. 35.6 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). From a private collection formed in the Netherlands; previously in a European collection formed prior to 1980. The Romans assimilated the cult of the Apis bull, linked to that of the other Egyptian divinities, which were initially viewed with disfavour and as a source of corruption of customs. The cult of Apis was hindered in the Augustan period for political reasons, but it was firmly re-established starting with the Flavian dynasty, as attested by the Iseus of Pompeii. The cult merged syncretically with the Roman cults and was maintained until the late Constantinian era. Emperor Julian the apostate was the last to have Roman coins issued with the image of the Apis bull on the reverse. Another very important cult for the Roman legions was that of Mithras, of Syriac origin, also linked to the sacrifice of the bull.