Roman Cavalry Pendant

3D Model

• Origin: Maastricht, Netherlands
• Material: Copper alloy (brass)
• Dimensions: Approx. 7cm x 7cm (L x W)
• Camera: Canon E0S 250D
• Processing: AgiSoft Metashape
• Created By: Kathryn van den Berg and Jennifer Lamphere

This Roman cavalry pendant was found in Maastricht, Netherlands during archeological excavations around Onze Lieve Vrouweplein in 1983. Maastricht was an important city for the Roman Empire due to its location along the Meuse river, which was part of the ancient Roman trading route from Boulonge-sur-Mer to Cologne.

Roman cavalry soldiers used pendants and other shiny metal objects to decorate their horses. There were various shapes and sizes of pendants, some of which carried religious symbolism. Most versions were characterized by a long central lobe. This particular pendant is in the shape of a leaf, symbolizing Roman viticulture (wine growing). It would have been hung on the horse’s harness, perhaps alongside other pendants.

Theme: Politics and Power