Bronze Fibula: Roman - Battle Axe Brooch
Circa 2nd Century AD
A remarkable Roman skeuomorphic bronze brooch depicting an elaborate stylized battle axe with Celtic influence. The surface shows a nice even dark patina. The bronze pin, remarkably, is intact. A very similar brooch is pictured in Hattatt “Ancient Brooches,” #1630. (Found in the former Yugoslavia.)
The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. In the severe climate of northern Europe, it routinely functioned as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The safety-pin type of fibula continued to be used up into the Middle Ages.
(33 x 56 mm – 1 1/4 x 2 3/16”)
