This magnificent sculpture, one of a pair, seems to capture more than the proud, snarling features of the king of beasts: it stands as a metaphor for the glory of Rome at her height, an eternal symbol of strength and power which still has meaning today. Ancient historians write about lion heads on Imperial thrones that actually appeared to roar; perhaps that was the purpose of the hollow cylinders and open mouths of this fierce pair. Even without uttering a sound, they make their regal presence felt.