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Ruth Garrido Vila

This Roman iron pugio, dating from the High Empire (1st-2nd centuries AD), is a remarkable example of the auxiliary and symbolic weaponry that accompanied the Roman soldier during one of the Empire's most prosperous periods. Measuring 32.5 cm in length and 7 cm in width, the piece combines military functionality with meticulous ornamentation, reflecting the balance between utility and prestige that characterised the personal equipment of legionaries.

The pugio, a short dagger used as a secondary weapon, was distinguished not only by its sharp edge and effectiveness in close combat, but also by its value as a status symbol. This example retains both its iron blade and its decorated scabbard, an exceptional find in the archaeological record, where metal corrosion has frequently compromised the integrity of such objects.

The blade, with its double-beveled profile and central rib, features a robust and symmetrical design that facilitated penetration during an attack. The hilt features a pommel with rounded ends and a barely suggested cross guard, forms reminiscent of typical models from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, used by both legionaries and officers. The overall effect suggests careful craftsmanship, possibly produced in a specialized military or artisan workshop under the army's control.

The scabbard is one of the most fascinating elements of this piece: it displays embossed and punched decorations in the form of radiating circles, geometric motifs, and chevrons, arranged along vertical axes. This type of ornamentation not only served an aesthetic function but could also have symbolic value or identify membership in a specific unit. The lateral suspension rings indicate that the pugio was worn hanging from the belt, visible and accessible, reinforcing its role as a symbol of rank and honour.

During the High Empire, the pugio gradually ceased to be a common combat weapon and became an emblem of military dignity. In funerary contexts and sculptural representations, it frequently appears as part of the Roman soldier's attire, associated with loyalty and the power of the army as an instrument of the state.

Comparable examples are held in the collections of the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid, the British Museum, and the Römisch-Germanisches Museum in Cologne, where parallels can be seen in the morphology and decoration of the scabbards. This type of pugio, with its geometric ornamentation and entirely metallic structure, is associated with the military reforms initiated under Augustus and consolidated in the 1st century AD.

The state of preservation of this piece is remarkably good, allowing a clear appreciation of the original texture of the iron and the ornamental details. Its complete preservation offers a unique window into the material world of the Roman legionary and the technical sophistication that characterised imperial metallurgy.

Acquired from an European private collection in the 80's.
-The piece includes an authenticity certificate. 

The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.

Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.  


High Imperial (1st - 2nd Century A.D.)

Ancient Roman Iron dagger - 32.5 cm

Archaeology

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Ancient Roman Iron dagger - 32.5 cm

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