Gold crossbow fibula (brooch), Late Imperial, Tetrarchic, ca. A.D. 286–306/7 or 308/9, Roman, Gold, 2 1/8in. (5.4cm), Gold and Silver, This type of fibula, used to fasten a cloak around the neck, became part of the standard insignia of military personnel during the third century A.D. This example is inscribed in Latin on the bow: HERCVLI AVGVSTE SEMPER VINCAS (May you always be victorious, Hercules Augustus!); the titles probably refer to the tetrarch Maximian, who styled himself as Hercules.
Gold crossbow fibula (brooch), Late Imperial, Tetrarchic, ca. A.D. 286–306/7 or 308/9, Roman, Gold, 2 1/8in. (5.4cm), Gold and Silver, This type of fibula, used to fasten a cloak around the neck, became part of the standard insignia of military personnel during the third century A.D. This example is inscribed in Latin on the bow: HERCVLI AVGVSTE SEMPER VINCAS (May you always be victorious, Hercules Augustus!); the titles probably refer to the tetrarch Maximian, who styled himself as Hercules