Baldric Belt Fitting

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Roman Legionary baldric belt applique

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Acquired  2006
Location Discovered SIRMIUM old Roman city in Serbia. (Sremska Mitrovica)
Material  Silvered Bronze/Copper Alloy
Dimensions 4.3cm long x 3.3cm wide
Roman Empire late 2nd or 3rd Century AD
Description  

A bronze belt fitting for the Baldric belt suspension method or for the earlier regular style.  This piece would have attached to a leather belt, allowing for the extending ring/crescent shape at the top to tie down another piece of equipment or attachment such as a knife or pouch.

A still intact intricate checkered style pattern adorns the center while crescent shaped sections extend at the top and side.  A rivet hole remains on the left and the iron remnants of the other one remains to the right.  These rivets would have attached it to the leather belt.

The belt was an important part of the Roman Legionary's equipment and during the late 2nd or 3rd Century they were still highly designed and works of art unto their own. (1)(2)

 

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Reverse View

 

 

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(1) References to similar items: FEUGERE, Michel; Weapons of the Romans, page 197 2002.

(2) Reference to similar items: BISHOP, M.C & COULSTON, J.C.N; Roman Military Equipment "From the Punic wars to the Fall of Rome", page 145 & 160 2006.

**Note on background. A Fresco from the ancient Roman City of Pompeii. The interior walls of a wealthy Roman's Estate 79AD. Picture taken July 2005.