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Aquila, a Roman Eagle

Text adapted from the important paper by Dr Dorel Bondoc, A Roman Bronze Aquila from Sălcuţa, Dolj County.



This paper may be downloaded here: Apulum XLVIII 2011.pdf

This Roman bronze Aquila was discovered in a ploughed field near Sălcuţa, Dolj County. It was bought by Dr Adrian Gheorghe and donated to the Museum of Oltenia, Craiova.



It was then given to Dr Dorel Bondoc, of the Muzeul Olteniei, Craiova, to study.



Photo: Adrian Gheorghe





The piece is cast from a mixture made up of (approximate percentages) Tin (79%), Copper (2%), Lead (12%), Antimony (5%) and Iron (1%).



In addition, there are traces of gold, since the piece was originally gilded. This gilding may be seen in the photographs.



Photo: Adrian Gheorghe

Since it was gilded, we can be sure that it was a valuable piece belonging to an important Roman military unit.



Dimensions: Length 168 mm, Height 82 mm, Weight 340 grams.



Photo: Adrian Gheorghe

The feet of the bird have not been preserved, and the aquila would have held a bunch of lightning in its claws, also not preserved.



We can see the sockets for the legs and feet, which were cast separately and attached later, but have not survived.



Photo: Adrian Gheorghe