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LOT 0814
Roman Thunderbolt Legion XII Terracotta Brick Fragment Group
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 - 7 1/8 in. (1.79 kg total, 9.7-18.2 cm).
Two fragments of ceramic brick with impressed stamps: '[..]EGXII' on the larger and a disc on the other with [...]XI[I]'. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Northern Europe.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, circa 2010.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The Legio XII Fulminata (the 'lightning bolt' legion) was created by Gaius Julius Caesar in 58 BC and was active until the early 5th century, patrolling at that time the Euphrates borders with the Sassanian Persian Empire, near Melitene (today Malatya). Its emblem was the fulgur, which was widely used on the objects and the pertinences of the Legio.
During the first two centuries of the Christian Era the Legio was located in Syria, Cappadocia and Armenia, and participated to the Jewish war between 66 and 70 AD, to be sent after the suppression of the revolt on the Euphrates Border. Cappadocia and Armenia were the main places of staying of the Legio, except for the period of the Marcomannic Wars (167-189 AD), when it operated on the Danube against the Germani.
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LOT 0814
Roman Thunderbolt Legion XII Terracotta Brick Fragment Group
Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
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Roman Marble Head of a Man in Relief
3rd-early 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
Frieze fragment with bust of a male in animated pose, head tilted upwards and eyes wide open; the hair executed in successive curly waves around the thick brow, the broad nose merging into the small open mouth; short curly beard on the neck but face clean-shaven; with steel mounting rod beneath. 9.85 kg, 31 cm
Private collection of a sculptor, Munich; acquired in the 1970s on the Munich art market (Ohlendorf). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00044779. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12478-228802. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The subject seems to be a retainer of military commanders, usually represented on their sarcophagi in wild hunting parties where men, lions and boars fight. It is highly probable that the head was originally from a massive sarcophagus of a general, like the one in Palazzo Mattei in Rome. -
Roman Bronze Bow Brooch with Inscription
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
P-shaped bow brooch with returned foot and end of the catchplate wound around the shank; hinged pin with lateral knops; beaded median line to the bow, foot with beaded borders and 'MVMI' legend. 16.5 grams, 12 cm
Ex German collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Very Large Roman Blue Glass Arm-Ring Bangle
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
D-shaped in section with slightly ribbed outer face. 31 grams, 92 mm
From an old English collection. Acquired from Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK, circa 2004. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The mass production of glass in ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Recent excavations have provided better information on the use of glass for necklaces and bracelets, and in some cases it has been possible to understand the exact arrangement of the jewellery.
