Paul III (1534-59) Goddess Annona Medal

Papal medal of Pope Paul III depicting goddess Annona, the divine personification of the grain supply to the city of Rome, holding a cornucopia and statuette of Minerva; at left, a basket of wheat and, to the right, the stern of a ship.

In 1534, grain shortage led to urban unrest after the death of Clement VII. Here, Paul III demonstrates his commitment to ensuring a strong supply to the city of Rome. As for the ship, although cereal was grown within the Papal State, transport by land was quite expensive, and grain was more often transported by sea.