aquila roman eagle with shaftThe eagle is the sacred animal of Jupiter and symbolizes his supremacy and prophetic power. In the Roman auspicia system, where birds were used to interpret the will of the gods (based on the Etruscans), the eagle held a special significance. Jupiter, originally a sky god, is often depicted with these symbols. A common image is that of an eagle holding a lightning bolt in its talons, a combination frequently seen on coins and other artworks. Although