The piece typologically corresponds to a caliga or, more broadly, to a representation of Roman military footwear, although it also exhibits certain features that align it with the closed calceus. The robust structure, the enveloping body, and the ankle height suggest a more solid than functional sculptural reinterpretation, reinforcing its symbolic or votive character rather than its utilitarian one. It is a bronze fragment of a live size sculpture representing a Roman boot with a striking volumetric presence, conceived with marked attention to textures and the anatomy of the footwear. The piece depicts a mid-to-high-cut shoe, with the instep articulated by openings or segments that evoke the straps of military caligae, although here they appear integrated into a continuous surface, more characteristic of a sculptural interpretation than a faithful reproduction. The sole is thick and well-defined, suggesting the resistance necessary for military use, while the ankle is cinched by a series of overlapping bands that could allude to straps or an adjustment system. The bronze treatment reveals a dark patina with greenish and brownish hues, indicative of natural oxidation over time, which lends authenticity and visual depth to the work. The surface is not completely smooth, but rather displays incisions, irregularities, and marks that evoke the sculptor's handiwork, as well as the wear and tear of use in the case of a real object, thus reinforcing the illusion of verisimilitude. In the context of the Roman Empire, especially during the High Empire (1st–2nd centuries AD), footwear had a strong symbolic as well as functional significance. Caligae were the characteristic footwear of Roman soldiers, associated with discipline, territorial expansion, and military identity. On the other hand, calceus was a more closed shoe, linked to citizens of a certain status. This formal ambiguity in the piece could indicate an intention to represent not only an everyday object, but also a symbol of power, presence, or even social or military identity. These types of bronze sculptures of everyday objects were not uncommon in the Roman world, especially in domestic or religious contexts. They could serve as votive offerings, placed in sanctuaries as expressions of gratitude or supplication, or as decorative elements in private spaces. The choice to depict a boot suggests a possible connection to the military, travel, or protection. Parallels exist in Roman material culture where bronze representations of sandals and shod feet appear, particularly in votive contexts, such as anatomical votive offerings or miniatures of personal objects. Representations of footwear can also be found in funerary reliefs, where they symbolise the status or profession of the deceased. Acquired from a Spanish private collection, E.B in the 80's. -The piece includes an authenticity certificate. The piece is in the process of obtaining a renewing its Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union). 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.