Roman / late 2nd - early 3rd century
Armoured Mars between tropaea
Backside with broken projections of former eyelet
From the second half of the 2nd century to the period around 300, phaleras were used to suspend Roman swords. They were usually of symbolic nature and often richly decorated. Rarer specimens sometimes show lettering or are samples of a proper imagery. The presented copy shows the armoured god of war, Mars, with lance and shield between two trophys. The composition epitomizes the superior combat strength of Roman troops.
During the second half of the 2nd century AD many elements of Roman military equipment changed under the Antonines. Among other things, short swords formerly dominating in infantery equipment were replaced by long swords. These were also provided with a new kind of suspension, probably inspired by eastern horse peoples. A broad sword belt (balteus), often with metal strap ends and other fittings, had a phalera just above the hip, with an eyelet on the back. The narrower rear part of the sword belt was pulled through this eyelet and knotted, after it had been threaded through a scabbard slide and wrapped around the sword scabbard.
Many balteus phaleras have a shield shape, which is emphasized by the central representation of a shield boss and symbolically protects the owner. Ornaments in breakthrough work could be interpreted in part as the representation of shield paintings, especially as they often contrasted with the leather background, which in turn could be coloured. In addition to the characteristic patterns of frequently occurring types, there are also numerous variants and - at least to the present state of knowledge - singular forms.
In addition to the dominant round specimens, there are also those in shape of ovals and peltas. Of particular interest are pieces with inscriptions, the so-called "numerum-omnium type" being comparatively common, while other balteus-phaleras with inscriptions or pictorial representations are currently unique pieces.
A close parallel to the piece shown here was formerly part of the renowned collection of antique militaria of the Berlin-based contractor Guttmann.
35.44 g / height 5.6 cm