The bigger question is who would have had it, and a follow up would be in what circumstances was it used?
It may have been a boss used on a shield by most likely a higher ranking legionary, possibly in a garrison which didn't see a lot of action. Can you imagine that boss getting dinged up or damaged? I wouldn't be happy lol.
But that's mostly my own conjecture, mixed in with some practical knowledge I suppose.
I have some wood for another blank, maybe I'll get another one ready for you just in case you want a "field" shield.
That boss looks good on there btw. I would keep that one the way it is, and just make a 2nd beater shield. No sense getting that one scratched and dented if you like it a lot.
____________________________________________________________ Magnus/Matt
Du Courage Viens La Verité
I am not sure if the archaeological context of that boss is known, but I think a third century AD date is reasonable on the grounds of the style of decoration, which has much in common with the decoration on other items datable to the third century AD. To my eyes its decorative style (rather than the fact that it is decorated) makes it unsuitable for use in a first century AD reconstruction.
Crispvs
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers. :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:
Without knowing any other find materials I doubt the 3rd century dating. I could be way off on this but the symbolism of Minerva is very telling. Minerva was probably at her height as a war deity during the reign of Domitian. She appears on almost every single type of Domitian's coins brandishing a shield and spear. She appeared earlier on coins of Claudius and later on coins of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. The latest one I could find was Clodius Albinus 193-195 CE (but there may be others).
By the third century most of the Capitoline god's were replaced on coinage with more abstract deities like Fides, Concordia and specifically with the god Sol. SOL INVICTO is a big theme for the military Emperor's, specifically Probus. But Sol also makes appearances with Quietus, Macrianus, Gallienus, Florianus, Maximianus and right up into Diocletian, Galarius, and Constantine. Sol Invicto becomes the new God to turn to in war, the unconquered sun. There is hardly a trace of the old god's Minerva and Mars blessing the efforts of the army, at least in coinage and that is where the Emperors try to get their story across to the people in general but specifically the army whom they had to pay. So the imagery on coins tells us a lot about what was happening in the Empire. Not only were the soldiers no longer Italian but the Emperor's weren't either, some not even residing or even visiting Rome. Minerva was mostly worshiped in Rome and generally only had war like qualities in Rome. Doesn't make sense to me that a soldier from the provinces would place Minerva on his umbo in the 3rd century.
That leads me to believe the 3rd century dating to be off and without knowing more would place this umbo in the 1-2 century. But that is just my belief. I'd love to hear other theories of why a 3rd century date.
"The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones"
The shield boss is in regard of decoration (Compare Straubing hoard) Auxiliary Cavalry, and third century. The original was in the Guttmann collection.
Quote:3rd century A.D.
Brass, tinned in places. Richly decorated, unusually shaped shield boss, formerly in splendorous contrasting gold-silver. In the centre a depiction of the goddess Minerva wearing a Corinthian helmet and seated on a chair facing left. Richly chiselled with typical motifs for ceremonial armour, and additional decorative figures displayed on the rim of the umbo, in particular a Roman imperial eagle with outspread wings above the central figure of the goddess. The attachment (not present) on the back, indicated by corroded remnants and solder traces, is also unusual,. Diameter 21.6 cm. Height 6.8 cm. Weight 205 g. Brass, tinned in places (today with black corrosion). Completely preserved with minor gluing and replacements in the calotte. Axel Guttmann Collection (R 134/ AG 598)
Published in detail in H.Born/M. Junkelmann, "Römische Kampf- und Turnierrüstungen - Sammlung Axel Guttmann", vol. 4. Mainz 1997. pp. 78 f., 144 ff. Fig. 90 f., 166, 169, 209 ff, pls. XXIX - XXXI.
Thanks Christian. That is the same information I see just copied and pasted on every site which speaks about this umbo. Does anyone have access to the quoted paper to see why they ascribe this to the 3rd century and if there was any other finds to help place this in context? I think my point about Minerva posted previously is valid and I'd like to see more detailed info about why a 3rd century dating.
BTW Domitian levied LEG I Minerva in 82 AD and as far as I can tell was the only Legion to carry her name.
"The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones"
AFAIK it is dated stylistically. 3rd century auxiliary cavalry gear is full of minerva depictions, and such snakes are quite common, plus the fat babies. Here some pics I took in Straubing.
Minerva and snakes
[attachment=3733]KopievonDSC01251.JPG[/attachment]
Snakes
[attachment=3734]KopievonDSC01270.JPG[/attachment]
minerva and fat babies (I think they are symbolizing the four winds).
[attachment=3735]DSC01266.JPG[/attachment]
[attachment=3804]ch1137Small.jpg[/attachment]
I would like to say thank you also for it is nice to see the Minerva Chamfron, or is it a replica of the Straubing piece such as this re-production I did some time back.
[attachment=3810]100_0460Small.jpg[/attachment]
Christian.
Thank you so much for the compliments and I have also found that the snakes were indeed a common part of decoration on such chamfrons.
Here is another example of just one of many others from Straubing that I have made showing this, however I have to say that the Mars on this was taken from the one that was found at Kastell Kunzing as shown in the book by Marcus Junkelman.
The interesting aspect of this one does show that both the Mars figures or indeed chamfrons were made by the same craftsman found at both Straubing and Kunzing
Brian, you are very welcome, these are outstanding pieces. Do you happen to have one of these for sale? We are building a Roman 3rd century travel cart (well, actually two, but one for us) and since on the reliefs there is often a cavalryman traveling along the carts, we want to make a 3rd century cavalry impression as well, ideally with finds from nearby, such as Straubing and Künzing :-)
Having a spare shield with the "XXlegion pattern" isn't a bad thing as a few units use it
and the similiar "Depeeka" pattern and when drilling with them it makes a more unified impression. If it were possible every North American reenactor could have the pattern
as a spare shield making joint public demonstrations more authentic looking.
