Roman emperor's fibula (Gold fibula)  

Found in 1958, dated to the years 315/316 CE

"This showpiece of an imperial brooch was found in 1958, in the gravel pit near Niederemmel. It was found when a load of gravel from Niederemmel was dumped in Gornhausen.
The fibula is a valuable "gold clasp", with which the Romans robes were held together over the shoulder. Through the engraved inscriptions, it can be clearly dated to the year 315/316 CE as Constantine I. and Licinius celebrated their Decennalia, i.e. their 10 year jubilees, in this year.

So far, this clasp is the largest of the so-called "Emperor's fibulae", which were awarded, on special occasions, by the emperor to high officials or officers as an award. Their bearer was obviously a certain "Servandus" who had his name carved into the bottom of the bracket. The upper arm and the needle structure of the fibula are missing. The preserved button has an onion shape and is uncommonly large. The two sloping sides of the four-sided bracket bear engraved nielloed Latin inscriptions:
VOTIS X.D.N. CONSTANTINIAUG and X.D.N. LICINIAUG

On the lower side of the bracket, the name SERVANDUS can be read.

Material: Gold
Length: 11,2 cm