Roman slave pendant (Zoninus collar), 4th century, silvered bronze

Product description

This pendant is modeled after the pendant of the so-called Zoninus collar, preserved in the Museo Nazionale Romano alle Terme di Diocleziano in Rome — the best preserved and only complete surviving Roman slave collar with ring and pendant, dating from the 4th century.

The inscription reads: 'FUGI TENE ME CVM REVOCAVERIS ME D M ZONINO ACCIPIS SOLIDVM', which means something like: 'I ran away. Stop me! Whoever brings me back to my lord Zoninus will receive a solidus.' About 45 examples of this type of pendant have been preserved. In the Roman Empire, countless people were enslaved through war, robbery or debt; some wore such a neck ring as a warning and promise of reward in case of escape, while repeated attempts to escape could lead to a brand on the forehead.

A compelling piece of history for those who delve into the daily life of the Roman Empire.