Attribute of the ancient Phrygian earth goddess Cybele, as well as biblical Martha, sister of Mary Magdalene and patroness of housewives, the key is an ancient and powerful symbol. Not only does it function, as this Roman example did, as an actual locking mechanism, the key also performs on a higher, more spiritual level, serving as a symbol for the powerful motion and ability to unlock. The Keys of Heaven were delivered by Christ to the apostle Peter, keys that would symbolically unlock heaven. Cybele, the earth goddess, holds in her hand the keys that unlock the eternal fruits of the earth. A truly spirited and positive object, this Roman key unlocks for us the wonder and excitement of the ancient Roman Empire, in all its glory and mystery.