Ancient Roman Soldier’s Mysterious Bronze Wrist Purse Discovered in Czech Republic Sparks Fascinating Secrets
While technically a purse, this artifact does not resemble the satchel-like bags of today. Rather, it looks more like a compact money box, one that would have fit snugly around the arm. Roman soldiers often carried essential coins in these purses, allowing them to keep their valuables close without hindering their combat abilities.
Similar artifacts have been found across former Roman territories, such as Britain and Danube, but this discovery marks the first time such an object has been found in what was once enemy territory.
How Ancient Roman Soldiers’ Purses Served Practical And Strategic Purposes
Václav Šálek, ČTKThe newly-found wrist purse fragment at the bottom left, alongside coins and a replica of a full wrist purse.
Today, a purse is as much a fashion statement as it is a utilitarian object, but for Roman soldiers, this was not the case. These ancient purses — for lack of a better term — were simply meant to keep coins close to the body while freeing up the soldier’s dominant arm for combat.
“It is more like a small money box,” said Balázs Komoróczy of the Czech Academy of Sciences, speaking to Radio Prague International. “It was worn by sliding it onto the arm or forearm. The tension around the arm kept it closed and secure.”
In this particular case, the design indicates that the purse would have been worn on the left arm.
Ashmolean MuseumA similar bronze wrist purse found at Vindolanda.
No coins were found inside the purse, but nearby discoveries offered some insight into its contents. Silver Roman coins found nearby helped experts date the artifact, and it is estimated that this purse likely held around 50 denarii — a fair amount, suggesting the owner may have been a junior officer or someone handling their unit’s finances.
Post Comment