Gold crossbow fibula (brooch)
This type of fibula, used to fasten a cloak around the neck, became part of the standard insignia of military personnel during the third century A.D. This example is inscribed in Latin on the bow: HERCVLI AVGVSTE SEMPER VINCAS (May you always be victorious, Hercules Augustus!); the titles probably refer to the tetrarch Maximian, who styled himself as Hercules. The brooch would have been made at an imperial workshop and presented as a gift to a senior member of the imperial staff.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gold crossbow fibula (brooch)
- Period: Late Imperial, Tetrarchic
- Date: 286–305 CE or 306/7–308/9
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: 1 1/4 × 2 1/16 × 2 13/16 in. (3.1 × 5.3 × 7.1 cm)
- Classification: Gold and Silver
- Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1895
- Object Number: 95.15.113
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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