Ранневизантийские воинские фибулы с подвязной ножкой из Юго-Западного Крыма

Abstract

A bronze military fibula with a returned foot (7.2 cm in length) found near the eastern defense wall of Eski-Kermen fortress in the South-Western Crimea is published in this article. Its arc-form bow is decorated with a groove with fine transverse notches, and a rectangular part of the foot - with crosses inscribed into a rhomb and triangles. On the rounded top of the foot there was an eagle with wings spread in the form of a crown and hexagonal star (Fig. 2, 7). The picture of an eagle with spread wings is similar to those on Byzantine seals of honorable consuls. Since the end of the 6 t h century numerous imitations to consular regalia including the so-called consular bronze seals with eagles and signet-rings appear. As it is known, in the Roman Empire and Byzantium fibulas were not only fasteners or decorations to clothes but they were also insignias attesting ranks of their owners. Kings and officials of highest ranks fastened chlamus with a gold fibula, and officials of clerks and officers fastened cloaks.