ROMAN STRAP FITTING

43

Part of a Romano-British openwork circular phalera from a sword belt depicting an eagle displayed clutching thunderbolts. Plumage details and claws are emphasised by engraving. On the reverse an integral shank leads to an incomplete D-shaped loop. Almost all of the surrounding band of inscription, which on analogy with other examples from Aldborough (Bishop 1996, fig.37 no.422), Carlile (Bishop and Coulston 1993 fig.91 no.2) and Zugmantel (Oldenstein 1976 Taf. 83 Kat. Nr.1092) would have read OPTIME MAXIME CON (meaning [Jupiter] the best and greatest protect...). >31 x >27mm.