Shield (Front)

This round shield is decorated with an embossed six rayed star with a central circle; two concentric relief lines surround the star and frame a Greek inscription that reads, Basileus Pharnakoi (of King Pharnakes). The inscription refers to Pharnakes I, who ruled Pontos (a region on the southeast coast of the Black Sea) in the second century B.C. Created from a very thin sheet of metal, this shield would have originally been supported by a base of wood or leather. The rim has a serrated edge and four evenly spaced rectangular tabs that may have been folded over to secure the internal support structure. Macedonian shields with inscriptions bearing the name of the king have been discovered in the sanctuaries of Zeus at Dodona and Dion as well as at Vergora (Florina), Bonce (in ancient Pelagonia), and Orestis (modern Kastoria), all located in northern Greece and Macedonia. Shields of this type may have belonged to soldiers of the royal guard and been dedicated as votive offerings to local deities.