

Roman Legionary
cingulum belt applique

 |
Date Acquired
|
2006 |
Location Discovered |
SIRMIUM
old Roman city in Serbia.
(Sremska Mitrovica) |
Material
|
Silvered Bronze/Copper Alloy |
Dimensions |
6.5cm long x 2.1cm wide |
Roman Empire |
1st
to 2nd
Century AD |
Description |
|
A bronze belt applique for the Roman military belt called a Cingulum.
This piece would have been part of a series that would have adorned the
belt around the waist. The center "window" would have most likely
once contained intricate designs out of bronze, or some enameled colored
pattern. The two iron rivets still remain at each end where it would
have attached to the leather belt.
Two symmetric curls match at each end, and a window frame like border
surrounds the center area.
The belt
was an important part of the Roman Legionary's equipment and during the
1st and 2nd Century they were highly designed and works of art unto
their own.
(1)(2)(3)(4)
-painting by John Warry
Click on
Pictures for higher resolution

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(1) References to
similar items: FEUGERE, Michel; Weapons of the Romans, page 175 & 177 2002.
(2) References to similar items:
CONNOLLY, Peter; Greece and Rome at War, page 232 1998.
(3) References to
similar items: SIMKINS, Michael & EMBLETON, Ron; The Roman Army from Caesar to
Trajan, page 20 2000.
(4) Reference to similar items:
BISHOP, M.C & COULSTON, J.C.N; Roman Military Equipment "From the Punic wars
to the Fall of Rome", page 108 & 145 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.