Fibula with Depiction of a Gladiator Fight

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd-3rd century A.D.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 3.2 cm x 3.3 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 3125

Provenance: Viennese private collection A.O.

Condition: Needle on the back added, otherwise intact and rare.

Description: Duel between a murmillo with a gladius (short sword), scutum (large shield), helmet and fasciae (greaves) and a falling retiarius on the right side raising his hand in supplication. He wears the typical shoulder guard (galerus). Bronze casting in opus interrasile method. For a similar example see: L. Wamser - Chr. Flügel - B. Ziegaus (Hrsg.), Die Römer zwischen Alpen und Nordmeer. Zivilisatorisches Erbe einer europäischen Militärmacht, Katalog-Handbuch zur Landesausstellung des Freistaates Bayern, Rosenheim 2000, page 427 Nr. 226 d1.