Ave!

Key, Roman, Janitors, c. 1st-3rd Century, Scarce!

Iron; 130mm/36.7gm (!)

Con/ As Cast; professionally conserved to inhibit further rusting/oxidation. Rare in this condition.

Seller's Note/ The locksmith who created this key knew exactly what he was doing. The crook on the end of key was cast on purpose (and not some sort of ancient plowing bend) and was added to insure that key fit one lock only!

This well may be a janitors key. Back in the day, Romans wealthy enough to own slaves, had one who was literally chained just inside the door portal that led into their home. He was the slave that not only had the key but he was also responsible to keep out undesirables. This slave was called the "janitor". Why janitor? Because Janus was the Roman god of beginnings and endings and, through metaphor, doors and passageways.