Bidspirit auction | ROMAN SILVER EAGLE PENDANT

ROMAN SILVER EAGLE PENDANT - Ca. AD 100 - 300. A freestanding silver figurine of an eagle depicted with wings folded. It has a small head with open, attentive eyes and a down-curved beak. It has a round hoop on the back, likely for suspension. The Aquila was the standard of the Roman legions, symbolising the legion's honour, identity, and allegiance to the state. It was a bronze or silver emblem in the shape of an eagle mounted on a pole and carried into battle at the forefront of the legion. Losing the Aquila was considered a serious dishonour. Roman soldiers would do everything in their power to protect it, sometimes even sacrificing their lives to prevent it from being captured by the enemy. Size: 15mm x 10mm; Weight: 1g Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired on the Dutch art market.