Texas A&M University Libraries

Cushing Memorial Library & Archives

Treasures in Cushing Series: Ancient Roman Artifacts at the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives

By Anton duPlessis and Francesca Marini | 05-26-2021


Original horse bits, halter pieces and adornments used in an Ancient Roman chariot dating back to the Early First Century AD.
Original horse bits, halter pieces, and adornments used in an Ancient Roman chariot dating back to the Early First Century AD. Photo by Victoria Hutcheson, March 2021.

In February 2021, an exceptional discovery was announced in the press: Italian archaeologists brought to light an intact and well-preserved ceremonial chariot outside of Pompeii; you can read more in Smithsonian Magazine/Smart News: Isis Davis-Marks, “‘Miraculously’ Well-Preserved Ceremonial Chariot Found at Villa Outside of Pompeii,” March 2, 2021. This discovery gives us new information about the life of Ancient Romans.

The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives houses its own extraordinary slice of ancient Roman life: in 2012, Dr. Bart DeGregorio donated pieces used in a chariot dating back to the Early First Century AD, including original horse bits/bridles and halter pieces, and other adornments. The items are made of bronze, iron, lead and silver, and were likely used by a Roman legionary officer.

The decorations were actually used to keep this type of chariot (a two-horse “carpentum”) together.

Close-up of pieces used in an Ancient Roman chariot dating back to the Early First Century AD.
Close-up of pieces. Photo by Victoria Hutcheson, March 2021.

 

Close-up of horse bits and halter pieces used in an Ancient Roman chariot dating back to the Early First Century AD.
Close-up of horse bits and halter pieces. Photo by Victoria Hutcheson, March 2021.

As you can see, these trimmings are very rare and well-preserved. They were originally part of a private collection in Germany, likely excavated in Western Germany near a battleground where the Romans fought.

At the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, we often show these chariot pieces to school groups and other visitors. People are amazed that they can connect to Ancient Rome right here in the heart of Texas!

 

 

Tags: Roman Chariot; Carpentum; DeGregorio, Bart. 

Cushing Memorial Library and Archives Collections: Military.

Contact Us: cushingcollective@library.tamu.edu

 

Anton duPlessis, CA, is Clinical Associate Professor at Texas A&M University Libraries, Cushing Memorial Library & Archives where he is curator of several collections, including Colonial Mexico, Military, and Chapman Texas & Borderlands. In addition, he is director of the Primeros libros de las Américas Project, a long running international digital project for 16th Century novohispano imprints.
Francesca Marini

Dr. Francesca Marini is Associate Professor, Programming and Outreach Librarian at the Texas A&M University Libraries, Cushing Memorial Library & Archives. In her role, she makes collections and ideas available to the public, through in-person and online talks, exhibitions, tours, fairs, and more. She holds a Ph.D. in Library and Information Studies (UCLA), a Master’s degree in Archival Studies (Modena State Archives), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Theatre Studies (University of Bologna). Her research focuses on performing arts archiving, as well as on special collections and archives outreach.