ITEM: Key
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 60 mm x 32 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, Dr. K.B., Munich, since the 1970s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman keys were essential tools for securing locks on doors, chests, and personal items, reflecting the Roman emphasis on security, privacy, and property ownership. Made primarily from iron, bronze, or sometimes brass, Roman keys varied in design, but they generally consisted of a long shaft with a curved or looped head that engaged with the lock mechanism. The keys were often large and heavy, particularly those used for doors or storage chests, and they were frequently carried as symbols of authority, wealth, and access. Roman keys were also integral to the organization of private and public spaces, from households to temples, demonstrating how the Romans valued controlled access to both physical property and private life.

The design of Roman keys was functional yet varied, with some keys featuring intricate, ornate designs, while others were more utilitarian. Large, ornate keys were often used by the wealthy or in the context of important state or religious buildings, while smaller, simpler keys were used by ordinary citizens. The variation in size and decoration of Roman keys reflects the different types of locks they were designed for, from the elaborate locking mechanisms used in villas and public buildings to simpler locks for personal use. Many Roman keys found in archaeological excavations bear decorative elements such as animal heads, religious symbols, or family crests, which were sometimes engraved into the head of the key, showcasing the owner’s identity, status, or affiliations.

In addition to their practical and decorative purposes, Roman keys have an important symbolic role in Roman culture. They were sometimes depicted in art, especially in funerary contexts, to signify ownership, protection, and the safeguarding of personal or family treasures.