Roman after 69 A.D. Terracotta.

L. 7 43/64 in; 19.5 cm W. 7 31/64 in; 19 cm D. 3 11/32 in; 8.5 cm

Thick, square brick (later) with oblong stamp representing a battleship to right. The inscription LEG ITAL is located on the ship’s hull. This is the stamp of the Legio I Italica, which was founded in 66/67 A.D. and was still active in the 5th century A.D. The legion was first stationed in Gallia Lugdunensis (Lugdunum/Lyon) and from the Flavian period onwards at the Danubian Limes in the province of Moesia (legionary fortress Novae in Moesia Inferior). The image of the battleship refers to the Danube fleet which played an important role in ensuring border security and which possessed several fortresses and legionary camps along the Danube (the Classis Moesica was stationed in Oescus, Novae, Sexginta Prista, Durostorum and Tomis, amongst other places). The brick may have come from a hypocaust (Roman central heating system using hot air).

Edges chipped and slightly worn.

Priv. coll. C., Switzerland, acquired in 2018 from the English art market, Oxford.