phalera
- Museum number
- 1814,0705.31
- Description
-
Copper alloy phalera and pendant. Form and dimensions of the phalera as 1814,0705.15, 32 and 33. The upper part is broken (not necessarily in antiquity), and corrosion products obscure the front face, but the ribbed rim and prominent domed head of the central stud are visible. The front face of the large trifid pendant is also encrusted with corrosion products, but the hanging acorns, midrib of the central oak leaf, and traces of silver overlay can be discerned. Of the strap loops on the rear face of the phalera only the basal stubs flanking the flanged pendant hinge remain. Their rangement, nonetheless, would appear to have conformed to that on phalera 1814,0705.15, 32 and 33. The pendant is Bishop's (1988) Type 1. For its Neronian-Flavian dating and distribution see Oldenstein 1985: 86-88 and fig.l.
- Production date
- 1stC(late)-2ndC(early)
- Dimensions
-
Diameter: 43.20 millimetres
-
Weight: 59.20 grammes
-
Width: 55.20 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- Ribchester hoard
Roman Britain, late 1st or early 2nd century AD
From Ribchester, Lancashire
This hoard of military metalwork and other itens was found in 1796 by a clogmaker's son playing behind his father's house in the village of Ribchester. Ribchester was the site of a Roman fort, and the hoard seems to have been placed in storage in a wooden box, probably beneath a barrack block floor, in about AD 120. Until then the fort had been garrisoned by a cavalry regiment, the Ala II Asturum, and the hoard, possibly the belongings of a single soldier, consists mainly of cavalry equimpent.
Most striking is the two-piece vizor helmet, which was worn in cavalry sports events (hippika gymnasia), colourful displays in which both horse and rider were dressed in elaborate clothing and metal fittings.
The perforated bronze domes to the left of the helmet are a pair of horse eye-guards, and below them is a set of highly-decorated horse brass, including (to the right of the helmet) a mount with a bust of Minerva, goddess of war and wisdom. The broken discs in the centre foreground are the remains of military awards, while on the right are three bronze pans and a pottery mixing bowl (mortarium). The other objects include parts of two saddle plates and a boar's tusk amulet (good luck charm).
- Location
- On display (G49/dc8)
- Acquisition date
- 1814
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1814,0705.31
