Peter Rothenhöfer, Michael Bode, Norbert Hanel

Metallum Messallini – A New Roman Lead Ingot from the Danube Provinces

Introduction

Metallum messallini – a new roman lead ingot from the danube provinces. Uncover 'Metallum Messallini,' a Roman lead ingot from the Danube Provinces. It reveals Augustus' economic power politics, Messallinus' role, and origin in Serbia/Kosovo mines.

Abstract

A Roman lead ingot with the mould mark metallo Messallini provides highly interesting insight into the economic side of power politics pursued by the first Roman emperor Augustus. The proprietor of the mine, Messallinus, can be identified with Marcus Valerius Messalla Messallinus, consul in 3 BC and governor of Illyricum in AD 6. At the beginning of the Illyrian revolt in AD 6 he achieved important victories over the insurgent tribes. The mines were likely a gift from Augustus (who owned mines in that region) to  Messallinus for his deeds. The shape of the panel and the inscription on the ingot as well as lead isotope analysis suggest an origin in  the ore regions of Serbia and the Kosovo. According to the isotope comparison, the mines were located in the district of today’s Novo Brdo in eastern Kosovo (Figure 1).

Review

This paper presents a fascinating and significant discovery: a Roman lead ingot bearing the unique mould mark 'metallo Messallini.' The authors have expertly leveraged this artifact to shed considerable new light on the intricate interplay between Roman economic activity and the political strategies of Emperor Augustus, particularly in the strategically vital Danube provinces. The identification of Messallinus with the historically prominent Marcus Valerius Messalla Messallinus, consul in 3 BC and governor of Illyricum, immediately elevates this object beyond a mere archaeological find into a crucial piece of historical evidence. This research promises to enrich our understanding of imperial patronage and resource management during a pivotal period of Roman expansion and consolidation. A major strength of this study lies in its robust interdisciplinary methodology. The careful analysis of the ingot's physical characteristics, including its shape and the inscription, is complemented by sophisticated lead isotope analysis. This scientific approach has allowed the authors to pinpoint the origin of the lead with impressive precision, suggesting the ore regions of Serbia and Kosovo, specifically the district of modern Novo Brdo. This precise localization is a significant contribution to the study of Roman mining geography in the Balkans. Furthermore, the historical reconstruction linking Messallinus's ownership of these mines to his military achievements during the Illyrian revolt in AD 6, positing them as a gift from Augustus, offers a compelling narrative that illuminates the economic dimensions of imperial reward systems. While the presented evidence and conclusions are highly convincing, future discussions might benefit from a broader comparative analysis with other Roman lead ingots found in the Danube region, to further contextualize the 'Messallini' example within the wider Roman extractive industry. Additionally, while the hypothesis of Augustus's gift is well-supported by the historical context, a brief consideration of alternative scenarios for aristocratic acquisition of such resources, even if ultimately dismissed, could further strengthen the argument. Nevertheless, this paper represents an outstanding contribution to Roman archaeology, history, and economic studies. Its compelling findings and rigorous methodology make it a highly valuable piece of scholarship, and I recommend its publication.

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