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Ruth Garrido Vila

ITEM: Military diploma fragment with inscription
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 20 mm x 23 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license.

If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.

Roman military diplomas were official documents issued to auxiliary soldiers (non-citizen troops) upon their honorable discharge from the Roman army, typically after 25 years of service. These diplomas granted them Roman citizenship, a significant legal and social upgrade, as well as the right to marry—something auxiliary soldiers were legally restricted from doing during their active service. The privilege often extended to the soldier’s children and spouse, retroactively legitimizing relationships and offspring. The diploma served both as a reward and a record of legal rights earned through long service.

Physically, a Roman military diploma was made of two bronze tablets, hinged together like a book. The inner text was engraved with the full legal formula and details of the grant, including the name of the emperor, the unit in which the soldier had served, and the date. The outer side bore a copy of the same text and names of witnesses, which were sealed under the fold for protection and authenticity. These diplomas were given to the individual veteran, who could use it to prove their status to local authorities or in legal matters.

Beyond their personal importance, these diplomas are now invaluable to historians and archaeologists. They provide concrete evidence of Roman military organization, recruitment patterns, and the geographic spread of military service. The names of emperors and units help to date and locate military activity, while the personal names of soldiers give insight into the ethnic diversity of the Roman army. As such, each diploma contributes to a broader understanding of Roman imperial administration, citizenship policy, and social integration.

2nd - 3rd Century A.D

Ancient Roman Bronze Military diploma fragment

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Ancient Roman Bronze Military diploma fragment

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