Description
| ITEM | Anchor fragment, collar |
| MATERIAL | Lead |
| CULTURE | Roman |
| PERIOD | 1st – 3rd Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 75 mm x 590 mm x 105 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition |
| PROVENANCE | Ex German private collection, acquired in the 70s and 80s in the German art market. |
This object is a fragment of a Roman lead anchor, specifically the portion known as the collar, which typically encircled and secured the wooden stock or shaft of the anchor. Roman anchors were often composite constructions, with wooden elements reinforced by metal components to withstand the stresses of maritime use. The lead collar would have played a critical role in providing structural integrity, anchoring the wooden parts together and helping to maintain balance and weight distribution.
Such lead collars are usually cast in a circular or oval shape, sometimes bearing inscriptions or stamped marks identifying the ship, owner, or a workshop. Their discovery is particularly valuable to archaeologists and maritime historians, as they offer insights into the construction techniques of Roman ships, the logistics of seafaring trade, and the organization of naval fleets. Some examples include Latin inscriptions, dedications to deities, or even ship names, making them both technical and epigraphic artifacts.
Fragments like this often survive in seabed deposits or coastal contexts, where wood has decayed but lead has remained intact. Their presence can indicate the site of a shipwreck or a former port installation. In some cases, they are found alongside other maritime gear such as anchor stocks, bronze nails, or amphorae, providing a broader picture of ancient maritime activity in the region.
The collar’s heavy lead composition also hints at its dual function: not only structural but also as ballast to help the anchor grip the seabed effectively.
