Crossbow fibula

The classic fibula of the late-Roman era, and in fact the best known of all fibula types,
is the crossbow type. The crossbow fibula consists of a highly arched semi-circular bow,
usually of squarish cross-section, and a long flat foot. The fibula has a wide transverse bar (or arms) at the head containing the pin-hinge. Crossbow fibulae usually have three round or onion-shaped knobs: one at the head and one at each end of of the transverse bar.

The first crossbow fibulae, from the early 3rd century AD, has short, thin arms, no knobs, a long bow and a short foot. The later crossbow fibulae have been divided into groups by several archeologists including Keller, Prottel and Soupault. Type I, dating to the 3rd and 4th centuries, has small, simple knobs and a foot that is shorter than the bow. Type II, dating to the 4th century, has larger knobs and a foot that is approximately the same length as the bow. Type III, also dating to the 4th century, has a foot that is longer than the bow. There are several variants of the Type III based on the decoration of the foot: dotted circle.

Size: 9 x 5,5 cm

Period: c. 4th Century AD.

Provenance: European private collection

2011TG1248    Price  € 200,--