Roman — Roman; 250-325
Handle
A polished jet handle, probably from an ornamental sword or dagger. The shape resembles that of a legionary sword (gladius) handle.
Recovered from the site of the temple of Mithras (Mithraeum). The religion was a secret cult, mainly for men who valued virtue, honour and courage. These would have been soldiers and provincial administrators who took their religion and beliefs with them wherever they travelled in the empire. An elaborate object such as this may have been a religious offering or used in a ritual.
- Category:
- Roman
- Object ID:
- 18263
- Object name:
- handle
- Object type:
- handle
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- —
- Related events:
- —
- Related places:
- —
- Production date:
- Roman; 250-325
- Material:
- jet
- Measurements/duration:
- L 150 mm, W 41 mm, T 12 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Credit:
- —
- Copyright holder:
- digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.