To the ancient Greeks and Romans the goddess Hecate stood between life and death at the entrance to the underworld. Her approach was said to be signalled by the approach of howling dogs. An ambiguous being, she was invoked at times of transition and during magical rituals. This Roman sculpture is thought to show Hecate in her distinctive triple form. As a goddess of transition her different faces look towards different paths. She holds the handles of torches (now lost), symbolising light and darkness. Marble, Italy c. 161-200 AD. British Museum.