Unusual Roman bronze Fibula

Cruciform fibulae represent the largest group in the Roman world. This type of fibula is found in the 4th and 5th centuries in Western Europe as well as in the
Middle East and Africa. These are fibulae that often receive gilding, at least for the most massive ones. These fibulae are exclusively male examples that were given as a reward to the tribunes of the legions in the 3rd century. From the 4th century onwards, they were part of the official uniform of high officials and military personnel. Depending on the metal in which they were made (copper alloy, silver or gold), they expressed the rank of the imperial official. This example dates from around 300 CE and is rather unusual because of head of an Emperor that is represented.