C. 100-200 AD, Roman. Silver brooch in the shape of a stylised eagle and a well preserved catchplate. This motif is probably a precursor to the double-headed eagle which came to be used by the Roman Empire and its medieval successor state, the Byzantine Empire, because it stood for dominance over both East and West. This fibula therefore makes an ideological statement about Roman claims to power and perhaps belonged to a Roman soldier. Good condition. Size: L:29mm / W:22mm ; 7.9g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.