Roman Silver Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
4th century A.D. A silver military crossbow fibula with rounded knobs, the bow with a dedicatory inscription in Latin letters 'VTER FELIX IURE VICTO'. Cf. Shelton, K.J., The Esquiline Treasure, London, 1981, fig.50, for a very similar brooch. 19.5 grams, 62 mm (2 3/8 in.). Acquire in the 1990s.Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection. The dedicatory inscription 'VTERE FELIX', 'use it with good luck' or 'with happiness' is often found on Roman military artefacts, like belt fittings, brooches, and armlets; but it is rarely accompanied by 'IURE VICTO' inscription ([being the] rightful winner). The inscription is typical of the late Roman military world, but it can also refer to people using the brooch in civil duties, these fibulae being ordinarily gifted to the militia armata and non armata.