Belief in the evil eye has existed since prehistory, with ancient humans considering a curse brought about by a malevolent glare — intentional or otherwise — to have the ability to bring bad luck, misfortune, and illness. According to Pliny the Elder, the “power of fascination with the eyes can even kill those on whom they fix their gaze”. In this way, amulets designed to break such fascination and repel the evil eye are as old as belief in the curse itself.

This amulet ring was found in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina and dates to the Roman period. Given its small size, it may be that this ring was made for a child. Certainly, in ancient times children were regarded as especially vulnerable to the effects of evil eye fascination, with parents being known to rub dirt on their faces so as to detract unwanted, envious attention. For those who could afford it, a ring displaying an eye motif would have served as additional protection.