Fibulae or brooches were originally used in Ancient Greece and in the Roman Empire for fastening garments, such as cloaks or togae. The fibula designs developed into a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle. The Roman conquests resulted in a spread of Roman culture and therefore the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated and highly decorated brooches, modelled in bronze, silver and gold and further enriched with precious and semi-precious gemstones. Fibulae are the most common artefact-type in burials and settlements throughout much of continental Europe. By the Middle Ages, the Roman safety pin type of fibula had fallen into disuse. Disc brooches began initially as flat, circular plate brooches, like this fine example. Their design and decoration became more complex as their popularity increased.
Enamelling was a popular decorative technique in the ancient Roman Empire during the first to third century AD. It was used to embellish small, bronze, ornamental objects such as brooches, rings, and studs, with brooches being the most popular item to feature the material. Like the plate brooches themselves, the use of enamelling also evolved. The colours and even the patterns used, can often allocate a more precise date. For example, whilst red was the primary colour first used in enamelling, the combination of blue and white was often seen in the second century. Millefiori was also a technique established on the continent, and fibula found in Britain with the pattern would suggest they were imports rather than made here.
