Gold crossbow fibula (brooch)

Unknown

286–305 CE or 306/7–308/9 · Gold · Greek and Roman Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

286–305 CE or 306/7–308/9

Medium

Gold

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase by subscription, 1895