Object Description
magnificent Samnite warrior bronze belt decorated with clasps in the shape of palmettes with garnets. The Samnites, a tribe from Campania the Romans fought in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, were the prototype for Rome’s professional gladiators. It was their equipment that was first used and later adopted for the arena. This wide bronze belt was worn by a Samnite warrior to clasp a tunic at the waist. It was manufactured from a single piece of hammered metal and along both edges is a row of small punched holes that allowed the belt to be sewn to a leather or cloth lining for greater comfort. The decorative palmette clasps, a common feature on Samnite belts, were attached to the belt at one end with riveted plates. At the other end there are six holes in two rows for adjusting the belt size. The bronze surface shows traces of gilding. The piece is affixed onto a custom-made flat acrylic stand for protection and display.
N.B. This item will require additional postage charges after checkout due to weight and size.
Date: Circa 4th century BC