SEVERAN DYNASTY, LATE 2ND CENTURY A.D.

The Greek Dioskouri, Castor and Polydeuces, were the twin sons of Zeus and Leda (the name is taken from the Greek Dios kouris, or “youth of Zeus”). The pair is best known for their role in several important mythological events. In one, they were sent to rescue their sister Helen after she was kidnapped by Theseus. The twins also hunted with Meleager and other heroes for the Calydonian Boar and joined Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. The rendering of the long, curling hair framing the face with anastole over the forehead is reminiscent of the iconography of Alexander the Great. Cf. F. Gury, “Dioskouroi/Castores,” in LIMC, vol. III, no. 132.