In preparation for the exhibition “Rome's fluid borders“ from November 2021 at the LVR Landesmuseum Bonn, the Bonn museum commissioned us to carry out a “wellness treatment” for their replica of an important Roman Optio ring, which was to be shown in the aforementioned exhibition.
An optio ring is the ring worn by a Roman soldier in the Rank a so-called “Optio”, a rank of the first Roman legion – here in the legionary camp on the Rhine in 477. The Original Our golden optio ring from the 2nd century AD came from a find in Bonn and places an image of the goddess Minerva at the center of the ring mirror.
The Bonn Museum had previously commissioned a replica of this gold ring, the gold plating of which was now showing its age and urgently needed a thorough cleaning and a refreshed galvanic gold plating for the forthcoming exhibition in our studio The museum replica is made of silver and over the years has practically "absorbed" the gold plating on top, probably because no extra barrier layer was applied to the silver at the time to prevent the silver oxidation from "penetrating".
After the ring from the Bonn museum had reached us undamaged, it was first identified with the help of a ultrasonic bath and then thoroughly cleaned by hand, shortly afterwards degreased, copper-coated as a barrier layer and finally galvanically re-gilded with fine gold. Externally, it corresponded to the original find.
In the new large Roman exhibition of the LVR LandesMuseum Bonn, this important late Roman optio-ring was presented to the visitors in all its true-to-original splendor and freshness.
In any case, we were very happy about this renewed cooperation with the Bonn Museum.
ring jewelry of Roman soldiers
Finger rings like this Optio ring played a significant role in the lives of Roman soldiers, both as functional objects and as symbols of status, belonging and personal identity. These rings were far more than mere jewelry - they often served practical purposes and served as visible signs of military rank (here: "Optio"), unity or personal loyalty.
Roman soldiers wore rings made of various materials, which depended greatly on their social status and position within the army. While ordinary legionaries usually wore rings made of bronze or iron, officers and high-ranking soldiers could use more valuable materials such as silver or even gold. Many of these rings were plain, while others were elaborately decorated to underline the rank and importance of the wearer.
A particularly practical aspect of Roman soldiers' finger rings was their use as signet rings. Many rings were engraved with an inscription or symbol that allowed the wearer to mark documents or wax seals. These seals not only served as a sign of authenticity, but could also confirm a soldier's identity and status. Often such rings contained symbols such as the image of an eagle, the emblem of a particular legion (here "Optio of the First Roman Legion"), or other military signs that indicated the soldier's unit.
In addition to their function as signet rings, finger rings also had a deeper symbolic meaning. They could be worn as a sign of loyalty to Rome or a particular emperor, and often served as mementos of specific campaigns or military victories. Some rings bore inscriptions such as "Fides" (loyalty) or "Virtus" (bravery), which emphasized core values of the Roman army. These inscriptions were not only decorative, but also expressed the military ideals that Roman soldiers aspired to.
Another interesting aspect of Roman finger rings was their use as personal amulets. Many soldiers believed in the protective power of certain symbols or materials and wore rings with engraved motifs that were meant to bring good luck or protect them from misfortune. Common motifs included animals, figures of gods or magical symbols that were considered protective symbols in Roman culture.
Archaeological finds show that finger rings often served as personal mementos. Some rings bore the wearer's name or initials, others were decorated with familial or religious symbols that reminded the soldier of his homeland. Such rings were an emotional anchor, especially for soldiers who often spent years serving the Roman Empire far away from their families and homes.
The variety of finger rings found shows how closely these objects were connected to the lives of Roman soldiers. They not only reflected their military rank or affiliation, but also revealed personal stories, religious beliefs and the pride of being part of the mighty Roman army. Thus, finger rings like our Optio ring were not just accessories, but an important part of a Roman soldier's identity.