Ceres, marble. Ceres was the protector of the earth’s vegetation as well as the fertility of animals and humans. Like other vegetation gods, Ceres was also associated with the realm of the dead. Later, the cult was transformed under Greek influence.

Ceres was often identified with the Greek goddess Demeter, who in turn was considered the same figure as the Anatolian goddess Cybele, all connected with the realm of the dead. Most likely, the dragon-like dog is depicting Cerberus, the guardian of the gate of the realm of the dead. In the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice, Orpheus appeased Cerberus with singing and playing from his lyre and was thus able to bring Eurydice to the world of the living. Heracles’ twelfth and final great deed was the capture of Cerberus.