Antiquities Discussion Forums > Fibulae and Clothing Items

Bronze fibula, please help to id and date

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tocomabyt:
Hello,
could you please help to ID and date these artifacts?
Metal detecting finds from single arable field north of Limes (SW Slovakia)

Jay GT4:
Just a guess but probably after the 1st century AD.  Size is helpful.  Here is a chart:

tocomabyt:
size of fibula is 40x40 mm.

SC:
It is definitely a Germanic fibula type.  Your find location helps verify that.

The shape seems similar to the Roman knee fibula which was also typically found along the Danube limes, though on the roman side generally.  However, I don't know off hand if this dates earlier or later than the usual knee types (which are generally AD 150 - 250).  I suspect you would find it in Almgren's study.

Some o the fragments you show are also of Germanic types.

Shawn

SC:
It is almost identical to Almgren 137 - the form and the head decoration are absolutely identical - only it has the 2nd knob on the foot where Alm. 137 does not.

Almgren 137 is an East Prussian find from the "Elbe German" group circa 100-150.  This would coincide with the Wielbark Culture who are though to be precursors of the Goths and other eastern Germanic tribes.

Interesting to know what it is doing in SW Slovakia.  Sign of a more easterly German ally joining the locals during the Marcomannic wars?  A trade item from the north along the Amber Road? 

Just guesses but unless anyone knows of more from Slovakia one would have to assume it is an import from the north.

Shawn

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