Roman Torques, Set of 2, Bronze

Roman Bronze Torques

Set of 2 Roman neck rings (torques), which were given as military awards (dona militaria) to deserving soldiers. The torques are worked hollow in an elaborate technique and are based on finds from the Roman Villa Rustica of Treuchtlingen in the district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, Germany. The reconstructed foundationsof the complex can be visited today as a monument.

The material used is real bronze, the raw pieces are produced in an extremely elaborate lost wax casting process.

The ornamentation with stylized branch holes and lion heads is a Hercules symbolism, which refers to the victory of the demigod with his club over the Nemean lion. An image of such torques is found, for example, on the tombstone of Marcus Caelius, who died in the Battle of Varus.

The custom of wearing the neck rings as awards probably refers to the Celtic fondness for such jewelry. Torques were certainly popular trophies taken from defeated Celtic enemies by the romans and therefore proudly displayed.

The torques are designed to be attached authentically in a pair to a leather or fabric band and cannot be worn individually around the neck.