2-720-299 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Rome', late 19th-early 20th century. Decorative coat of arms for the city of Rome, capital of Italy . The two crossed keys represent the promise of Christ to St Peter: 'I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven'. (The Vatican City, home of the Pope who is head of the Roman Catholic Church, lies within the city of Rome.) Above is the Capitoline Wolf, a bronze sculpture which depicts a she-wolf suckling the mythical twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The design incorporates a laurel wreath, imperial Roman symbol of martial victory.