AN ENAMELLED ZOOMORPHIC BROOCH RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN THE NORTHERN CEMETERY OF APULUM (ALBA IULIA)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.12.4.2025.1435Keywords:
Apulum, Dacia, zoomorphic brooches, enamelled brooches, Roman period, Barbarian environment, Roman empireAbstract
In the spring of 2022, a zoomorphic brooch was discovered during the rescue archaeological excavations conducted in Alba Iulia at no. 3 Republicii Blvd., on the site of the Olympic swimming pool. The investigation was performed as a preliminary phase of an investment project developed by the Alba Iulia Municipality. The plot lies on a high terrace, in an area that yielded multiple archaeological finds, most Roman date burial features. The bronze brooch, surviving fragmentarily, rendered a running bull and had the body decorated with round, enamel inlay alveoli.
Given the use period of enamelled zoomorphic brooches within the province territory of Dacia, we believe that the specimen of Apulum dates sometimes to the 2nd century AD, most likely during its second half.
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