Vatican reptiles

There are more snakes than you might think in ancient art.

I quite liked this 5th century BC drinking cup

with Athena retrieving Jason from the mouth of the

serpent-dragon guardian of the golden fleece.

(Love this version of the myth.

Wish she'd left the skunk in the snake's mouth.)

Then there's Hygeia, goddess of health,

grasping a snake.

Cleopatra usually has a snake in hand, also
(in this sarcophagus detail.)

And finally, though this photo quality is terrible,

I was very charmed by this Roman crocodile

in the 'hall of animals'.