The Roman Imperial repoussé silver disc of Sol Invictus is a circular silver plate that dates back to the 3rd century AD. It was discovered in 1830 in Ringlemere, Kent, England and is now part of the British Museum’s collection.
The disc features a depiction of the Roman god Sol Invictus, who was the patron deity of the Roman Empire from the 3rd century AD onward. In the center of the disc is a raised image of Sol Invictus, depicted as a young, beardless man with long hair and a radiate crown. Sol is crowned with rays, and two horses appear behind his shoulders. Surrounding the central image are a series of circular and crescent-shaped motifs that are believed to represent the sun and moon.
The disc is an example of repoussé work, which is a metalworking technique where a metal sheet is hammered or pressed from the reverse side to create a raised design on the front. The details on the disc are incredibly intricate and demonstrate the skill of ancient Roman metalworkers.
Discovered in the ancient city of Pessinus (Ballıhisar) (present-day Eskişehir, Turkiye), the disc of Sol Invictus is significant because it provides insight into the religious beliefs and artistic traditions of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century CE. Sol Invictus was an important deity during this time, and the disc is one of the few surviving depictions of him from ancient times. The disc also demonstrates the high level of artistic skill and technical expertise that was required to create intricate metalwork during this period.
As of 2023, the disc of Sol Invictus is located in the British Museum in London, England.
