Wirujące tarcze. Nowe znalezisko peltakształtnego okucia z Dziekanowic jako przykład wymiany kulturowej między Cesarstwem Rzymskim a Barbaricum

In the summer of 2022, in the course of the research program “Project Lednica. Together to Save the Monuments” which involves prospecting archaeological sites around Lednica Lake with metal detectors, a provincial-Roman applique was found. The small relic excavated from an arable field located at the Dziekanowice 22 site dates back to the turn of the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and originally adorned a sword belt or horse equipment which belonged to a Roman soldier (most likely serving in the ranks of the auxilia). Analyses conducted with a spectrometer showed a large admixture of zinc in the copper alloy, further proving its Roman provenance. The fitting has a circular form created from the folding of two peltas also known as amazon shields. The shields are further decorated with cymoid lines leading from opposite corners. This gives the impression of a swirling motion. This type of fittings show a connection with Celtic aesthetics. The article presents numerous analogies, on the basis of which an attempt is made to explain the complex symbolism of the monument and its apotropaic functions. Until recently, finds of belt fittings and harnesses of legion-auxiliary provenance were extremely rare in the Polish lands. Nevertheless, their corpus has undergone some expansion in recent years due to fittings discovered in Gąski and Wierzbiczany, as well as a Novaesium-type sword’s scabbard chape from Bąbolin and Silna. The new finding of applique from Dziekanowice is part of this trend. This is largely a consequence of the amateurish but also methodical use of metal detectors in surface surveys. It can be expected that the coming years will bring more similar discoveries. Thus, it becomes very critical to ask what was the nature of the inflow of such objects into the depths of Barbaricum? Was it only as trophies of war, or perhaps it was also in connection with the ephemeral presence of Roman units or (and) auxiliary veterans on the territory of present-day Poland?