Small fibulae, such this piece, were worn by both Roman soldiers and subjects across the empire. They served both a decorative and practical function, being used to fasten articles of clothing, such as cloaks or togae. Plate brooches which are categorised as thin, bronze fibulae with a hinge pin, appeared suddenly within the 1st century. The early examples were simple in form; disks with perforations, wheel variations or crescent-shaped. This category was short-lived and the more decorative enamelled variety were soon favoured. Fibulae are the most common artefact-type in burials and settlements throughout much of the continental Europe, though by the Middle Ages, the Roman safety pin type of fibula had fallen into disuse.
To discover more on Roman and Celtic brooches, please see our relevant blog post: Roman and Celtic Fibulae
