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LOT 0767
Roman Tile Fragment Group with Military Stamps
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 - 8 7/8 in. (3.3 kg total, 10.5-22.2 cm).
A group of six ceramic tile fragments, each bearing a stamp. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenancePreviously in a private collection since the 1990s.
Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.
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Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Head of Zeus Serapis
3rd-4th century A.D.or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £468
A gemstone with one side incised with the head of Zeus Serapis wearing a modius crown, seen in profile to the left, surrounded by Greek letters I,Λ,φ, ν, Λ,Λ,Ϲ,Ϲ,Ε,Δ; the other side with enigmatic inscription 'BIKIω PIΗΔνMΗ IΔ φI ΛA'. 0.86 grams, 12 mm
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east. Usually a third of these gems carry magical words which shows that they were used as amulets or for some other ritual purpose. These magical gems were inscribed with acclamations or prayers that suggest they were used as amulets for protection (in this case of Serapis) or to acquire charm, but only some of them can be linked with some divinatory or prophylactic purpose. -
Roman Gold Ring with Dolphin Gemstone
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
A gold ring composed of a hoop with expanded shoulders and raised oval bezel with filigree collar, set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with a dolphin. 3.66 grams, 21.43 mm overall, 18.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Military Diploma Fragments
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A pair of bifacial bronze military diploma fragments bearing Latin text: fragment A, side 1: 'CAEL[IBES] / DVM [TAXAT]'; side 2: 'NI[- - -] MAX'; fragment B, side 1: 'RNESE / CVS'; side 2: 'AL[- - - / - - -] LL'. 7.13 grams total, 21-32 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Stylistically, the diploma seems connected with the empire of Hadrian, based in style used in letters M and A. The text of the extrinsecus can be partially reconstructed in the sentences ANTO{NI}NUS AVGVSTVS PONTIFEX {MAX}IMUS... AVT SIQUI {CAEL}IBES ESSENT CUM IIS QUAS POSTEA DUXISSENT {DUM}TAXAT SINGULI SINGULAS (...if they were in celibate then, to the maximum limit of only one (wife) for each...). The diploma gives 'HONESTA MISSIO' (honourable discharge) and Roman citizenship to the veterans of an unknown unit, also granting them permission to marry. The text of the internal side (intus) should report the dating, and the names of the soldiers and witnesses.
