Antique Roman bronze key dating from the 1st to 3rd century AD, authentic testimony to daily life and security practices of the Roman Empire.
Object crafted between the 1st and 3rd century AD, illustrating the metallurgical mastery of Roman workshops. Made of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin appreciated for its strength and malleability.
Not applicable for this utilitarian object.
Not applicable for this utilitarian object.
Flan and edge
Functional bronze structure with characteristic shape of Roman keys, showing natural green and brown patina.
Dimensions: 15 × 43 mm. Material: bronze. State of conservation: good with wear and burial deposits testifying to its antiquity.
In Roman society, bronze keys embodied domestic security and social authority. Associated with the god Janus, they carried strong religious and symbolic dimensions, representing control and legitimacy.
Concrete witness to Roman material culture, this object illuminates the Romans' relationship to property, power and the sacred. Fragment of civilization with strong anthropological value.
Provenance: old German private collection (1970-1990). Sale by specialized European auction. Certificate of authenticity provided.
Archaeological Identity Card
Material, chronological and cultural record for the object
