Archaeologists in the South Moravia region have uncovered a rare artifact believed to be the oldest of its kind ever found in the Czech Republic—a fragment of a bronze wrist purse once worn by a Roman soldier.
The item, discovered on Hradisko Hill, dates back more than 1,800 years and provides a rare glimpse into daily life on the edge of the Roman Empire.
The purse fragment, likely worn on a soldier’s forearm, would have been used to carry money during military campaigns. Researchers say the object resembles a compact money box that fits snugly around the arm, held closed by its own tension.
This kind of purse, used by Roman soldiers, served both practical and strategic purposes—keeping essential coins close while leaving the dominant hand free during combat.
Discovery site linked to Roman military presence
The discovery was made at the site of a former Roman military camp where the 10th Legion was based during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
While only about 30 percent of the original purse remains, its shape and function were quickly recognized by experts familiar with similar Roman military gear. What makes this find exceptional is its location.
Similar items have been found across Roman-controlled territories—from Britain to the Danube—but never before in lands once considered enemy territory.
No coins were found inside the purse, but nearby excavations turned up a large number of silver Roman coins. According to archaeologist Tomáš Antoš, most of these coins date to the rule of Marcus Aurelius and feature images of the emperor or his wife, Faustina.
The coins helped confirm the artifact’s age and placed its use in a specific historical period.
Clues about its owner and usage
Based on the size of the purse and its context, researchers estimate it may have held up to 50 silver denarii. Though this was a sizable amount, it fell short of a full year’s salary for an ordinary soldier.
That suggests the purse may have belonged to a junior officer or someone responsible for managing unit expenses, such as supplies and logistical costs. Archaeologist Balázs Komoróczy described this mix of personal funds and “service cash” as a common practice among mobile troops.
Historical records indicate that the 10th Legion was stationed on Hradisko Hill between 172 and 180 A.D. Emperor Marcus Aurelius aimed to establish a new province, Marcomannia, extending from the Danube River into what is now northern Moravia.
However, the plan was abandoned following continued conflict with the Marcomanni tribe. After the emperor’s death, his son Commodus ordered a Roman withdrawal from the region.
Today, the bronze fragment is on public display at the Mušov Visitor Centre in Pasohlávky as part of the Gateway to the Roman Empire exhibition. The display features the original item, a full reconstruction of the Roman soldier’s wrist purse, and several coins found nearby.
Together, the objects shed light on the financial routines and daily experiences of Roman troops stationed far from the empire’s core.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
