Eagle-shaped fibula Eagle-shaped fibula

The famous and highly symbolic eagle-shaped fibula is the heart of an early-historic find discovered in 1893 in Domagnano in the San Marino region of Italy. As the central element in the collection of jewellery, the valuable piece would have been worn by a wealthy member of the Ostrogoth royal family or aristocracy. The richly decorated eagle symbolises the power of the Roman state, as well as Arian Christianity through the cross inscribed on its breast.