Roman military phalera depicting a standing horse

Roman military phalera depicting a standing horse
ITEM: Military phalera depicting a standing horse
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 57 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman phalerae were decorative medallions awarded to soldiers for acts of bravery, achievements, or distinguished service, functioning as symbols of honor and status within the military. Made of materials like bronze, silver, or gold, these medallions were worn on the chest as part of a soldier’s ceremonial attire and were often circular, featuring intricate designs, mythological figures, or symbolic motifs. Phalerae originated from military traditions that valued visible markers of valor, with Roman soldiers displaying them during parades or public gatherings as emblems of personal and unit pride. These awards not only recognized individual acts of courage but also reinforced loyalty to the empire and its values of discipline and strength.

The designs on Roman phalerae were both artistic and symbolic, typically featuring figures from mythology, deities, or representations of animals, each carrying specific meanings related to power, protection, or courage. For example, common motifs included representations of Hercules, symbolizing strength, or Mars, the god of war, to evoke martial prowess. These detailed engravings demonstrated the skill of Roman metalworkers and imbued the phalerae with layers of meaning, making each piece unique to the recipient. While primarily worn by soldiers, phalerae were also found in some civilian contexts, where they were given as honorary awards or worn by prominent individuals who wished to convey power and prestige. These medallions thus served as a visual language of honor, connecting military virtues with divine approval and reinforcing the soldier’s elite status within society.

Measurement:

5.7 x 5.7 cm