Breast- Plate of an armor
Description
Two thin sheets of gold are in shape of breast plate of armor. As these are made of gold it must be part of a ceremonial armor. The designs include circular die -marks which are typically Roman. The border is flat with pierced holes at intervals which were probable for fixing the gold sheets to the main armor.
Scholars name this type of Roman armor as Lorica Segmentata or Lorica Lamminata as the Romans called the metal sheets as lamina. Several Roman relief sculptures of 1st and 2nd century depict soldiers wearing this kind of plate armor.
These armor pieces were discovered while digging top of mound in village Bhadavali near Kamshet in Pune district. These finds are another clue of India’s trade with the Roman Empire in the 1st -2nd centuries. Junnar in Pune along with Paithan in Aurangabad and Ter in Osmanabad district were important seats of power in Maharashtra of the Satavahana rulers who had flourishing trade with the Roman Empire. Excavations at these sites have revealed clayware, utensils, implements and ornaments of Roman origin.
On loan from Smt. Mayurika Poddar.
Collection
Arms and Armour
Object Type
Armour
Material
Gold
Schools/Culture/Period
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Technique
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Date
1st-2nd Century CE
Location
Pune
Dimension
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