About Capricorn

Capricorn has been the focus of this Take One project and it dates back to AD 43-200. The remarkable Roman figurine of Capricorn is made of solid bronze. Capricorn is a mythical creature, half goat and half fish.  It is also the tenth sign of the Zodiac.  Capricorn was the symbol of the Second Legion Augusta, the legion of the Roman army who were responsible for conquering south and southwest Britain following the Roman invasion in AD 43. 

This figurine was found close to the Roman lead mines on the Mendip Hills.  The mines were overseen by a military detachment, probably from the Second Legion Augusta.  The figurine was acquired for the Somerset County Council museum collection in 2013 with financial support from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Friends of the Museum of Somerset and an anonymous donor.  It is on display in the Claiming the Land gallery at the Museum of Somerset.