Buckles & belt fitting Antiquity

The Roman buckle: a status symbol

The Roman buckle was an indispensable part of the equipment for both soldiers and civilians in Antiquity. Although belts are mainly seen today as a practical clothing accessory, they played a much larger role in the Roman Empire. The buckle not only kept clothing and equipment in place but also served as a visible sign of status, rank, and identity. In museums and archaeological excavations, we see countless finds of Roman buckles, ranging from simply functional to richly decorated with symbolic motifs.

Especially within the military, the Roman buckle had significant meaning. Legionnaires wore belts often equipped with multiple metal plates, hangings, and a buckle that had to withstand heavy loads. These belts firmly held the sword—the gladius or later the spatha—and also supported parts of the armor such as the lorica hamata or segmentata. As military fashion evolved over the centuries, the design of the buckles also changed. Early buckles were compact and often round or oval, while later examples could be much wider and sometimes featured striking decorations in the form of geometric patterns, animal figures, or inscriptions.

Outside the military, Roman buckles were also popular. Civilian clothing featured numerous variations of belts finished with bronze, iron, or even gilded fittings. The motifs were highly dependent on the region and period, making Roman buckles beloved collectibles for history enthusiasts, reenactors, and archaeology lovers.

At Celtic WebMerchant, you will find a wide assortment of replica’s of Roman buckles, based on authentic finds from different centuries. They are ideal for reenactment, LARP, museum projects, or accurately assembling a Roman outfit.