Ancient Roman Bronze Military diploma fragment
09
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€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 2,300 - € 2,800
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Ancient Roman bronze military diploma fragment from the 2nd–3rd century A.D., measuring 69 mm by 43 mm, in good condition, acquired from a German private collection; comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Military diploma fragment with inscription
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 69 mm x 43 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, S.R., acquired in 1960s
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Military diploma fragment with inscription
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 69 mm x 43 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, S.R., acquired in 1960s
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
2nd - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Military diploma fragment
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Switzerland
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
