3-047-558 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Shield, 185-160 BC. Shield of King Pharnakes. Additional Info: 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 BC 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. Shields of this type may have belonged to soldiers of the royal guard and been dedicated as votive offerings to local deities.