Sculpture of a lion overpowering a ram

This sculpture was probably from a cemetery or mausoleum outside the Roman fort at Kirkby Thore. The lion was commonly used in Roman funerary sculpture to symbolize the all-devouring power of death. African lions were brought to Rome and other provinces, principally for use in wild-animal hunts, and gladiatorial combat in amphitheatres. However, it is unlikely that many reached Britan, which was at the edge of the Empire; the sculptor of this statue may never have seen a live lion.