Roman brooches are a valuable resource for archaeological research into the history of settlement and population. In addition to their practical function as a garment fastener, they reflect the preferences of their wearers and thus open up fashion and/or cultural circles. They offer an insight into the technical processes used and allow conclusions to be drawn about supra-regional trade and personal contacts.

Despite the importance of these finds, there are still numerous blank spots in research. Only a few fibulae from St. Pölten have been published to date. It is therefore all the more pleasing that well over 600 Roman fibulae have been documented as part of the project ‘Treasures from Roman times - ancient bronze fibulae from St. Pölten’ in collaboration with the St. Pölten City Museum, the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAI), the University of Innsbruck, Research Archaeology and 7reasons. The fibulae were not only described and photographed, but in some cases also scanned in three dimensions. The fibulae can be accessed via the cfir.science database, and are freely accessible. This has made an important contribution to research into the Roman past.

The documented fibulae originate mainly from the Roman settlement area of St. Pölten, the ancient municipium Aelium Cetium. The find complex is supplemented by a significant number of fibulae from the surrounding area, including pieces from the late antique cemeteries of Pottenbrunn and Ratzersdorf.

The range of fibulae is characterised by a remarkable variety, which – with a few exceptions of earlier examples – shows itself in forms from the late 1st to the 4th century AD. In addition to regional types, several imported pieces can be identified, including enamel-decorated disc brooches from the Gallo-Upper Germanic region.

Influences from the neighbouring province of Pannonia and the Barbaricum to the north can also be noted. The high occurrence of late antique fibulae makes St. Pölten stand out in comparison with other Roman settlement sites in Noricum and emphasises the importance of the city during this period.

A total of 120 late antique crossbow brooches were recorded in the course of the project, some of which were discovered in the context of inhumation burials. These finds are directly linked to the wearers and provide valuable information on burial practices and the identity of the deceased.

Of particular interest is the evidence of local fibula production in Aelium Cetium. A mould, models as well as several unfinished pieces and missing castings provide evidence of artisanal activities from the early 2nd to the 4th century A.D. These workpieces not only enable a well-founded analysis of the production methods used, but also serve as sources for research into the distribution centres of individual moulds.

The project ‘Treasures from Roman times - ancient bronze fibulae from St. Pölten’ thus offers enormous potential for further research in several respects. The comprehensive documentation of the Roman fibulae from St. Pölten and the free accessibility of the data have created a valuable basis for future research, which not only expands our knowledge of local production and trade relations, but also provides deeper insights into the cultural history of the region.