Military Diploma Fragment

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Roman military diploma fragment

Date Acquired  2004
Location Discovered Balkans
Material  Bronze/Copper Alloy
Dimensions 3.0cm long x 1.9cm wide
Roman Empire 1st- 3rd Century AD
Description  

Bronze Military Diploma fragment with text:

Letters visible on front both fragments.

A N A E?

O U V M

    V M

O N I A

N A E T V?

     V N

Letters visible on back of both fragments.

O? L?    E? D

F T    C O H O

V D   T D

A Military Diploma was granted by the Emperor to Auxiliary soldiers (non Romans) who had completed their 25 years of military service and were now granted Roman Citizenship along with their family.  This entitled the solider to many benefits and rights offered by the Roman state (Much like a Green card). 

Today they provide a great source of information on military units, who was in them and where they were stationed.  The Military Diploma would list witnesses on the back and provide some information on the inside about the recipient and where they served. 

The two sheets of bronze were carefully engraved with the text and would list the exact year that it was issued.  They were normally about 15-17 cm x 14 cm and had a hinge like loop in the center, allowing it to open like a book.

They rarely survive in complete form and this example is only a fragment of what would have been a much larger piece.

**See link for one example in detail**

Complete Roman Military Diploma Documented online

More detailed photos coming soon

 

 

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**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.