Bronze Fibula: Roman - Tetrastyle Temple Brooch, Circa 2nd – 3rd Century AD
A remarkable Roman skeuomorphic bronze brooch depicting a four column (Tetrastyle) Temple. The surface shows a nice clean green patina. The bronze pin is intact. Gods are very rarely depicted on Roman brooches, and temples are also uncommon. For a similar example see Hattatt “Ancient Brooches” #1625a.
The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. In the severe climate of northern Europe, it routinely functioned as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The safety-pin type of fibula continued to be used up into the Middle Ages.
(36 x 30 mm – 1 3/8 x 1 1/8”)
