Roman Belt Buckles

Bronze belt buckle from between 700-650 B.C.E.

600s to early 500s B.C.E.

At the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Roman Votive Altar to Saturn

In Latin it reads, "To Jupiter Sabazius: Quintus Nunninus Alexander has willingly and rightfully fulfilled his vow".

The Romans would make vows to their deity of choice and offer them a sacrifice. Originally it seems that they had a ritual involving the killing of an animal such as a cow or ram and the intestines of that animal would be removed and burned upon an altar.

It doesn't look like this altar was used for this purpose, but rather the carving of the altar itself was the offering made by the man mentioned on the inscription.  The votive ritual appears to almost be a contract between men and the gods, in which the mortal vows to do a thing if the deity does something for him. Here's an in-depth look at the Roman votive ritual: http://www.teachtext.net/bn/ancienthistory/religion_text/Derks.pdf

Display plaque at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Roman Statue of Armor

It appears to have gryphons depicted on it.

Remember to beware the ides of March!

Roman Gladiator Helmet

Gladiator helmet, probably made of bronze. On display at the DIA.