5 days ago
Archaeolgists Find Roman Soldier's Purse with 'Logistical Cash'
In South Moravia, Czechia, archaeologists have found a bronze fragment from a Roman wrist purse which dates back 1,800 years, Ancient Origins reported.
The item was first discovered back in January at Hradisko Hill, a famous archaeological site which the 10th Roman Legion called home while fighting the Marcomannic Wars (172-180 A.D.). Scientists were able to identify the item as a wrist purse carried by Roman soldiers to hold coins for 'logistical cash' they may have needed while on the battlefield. The purses had the added effect of keeping soldiers' hands free to hold weapons and engage in combat. Scientists believe that the purse held roughly 50 denarii, which at that time was slightly less than a year's wage for a Roman soldier.
A cache of silver denarii, which contained images of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.), located near the purse allowed researchers to date the item. 'Most of the coins found at the site and in the surrounding area date back to the reign of Marcus Aurelius," archaeologist Tomáš Antoš explained. "They typically feature either the emperor himself or his wife, Faustina.'
Scientists hail the purse as an especially notable artifact because it was unearthed just outside of the Roman Empire's formal borders, which at the time of the purse's burial would have been considered enemy territory. Similar purses have been found throughout Britain and Danube, but this is the first of its kind to be discovered in modern-day Czechia. The wrist purse is currently on display to the public at Pasohlávky's Mušov Visitor Centre, where it's part of the permanent exhibition 'Gateway to the Roman Empire.'Archaeolgists Find Roman Soldier's Purse with 'Logistical Cash' first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 5, 2025
