Esquiline treasure

The Esquiline treasure is a collection of ancient Roman metalwork, primarily silver, dating from the late 4th century CE. While some pieces, like a marriage casket, are decorated with pagan scenes, the inscription indicates they were made for a Christian marriage. Other items in the treasure include small cruets and a pyx, some with Christian subjects, though many pieces from this era, both secular and religious, often featured classical or mythological themes. The metalwork showcases traditional techniques like embossing and chasing, with increasing use of abstract patterns and niello inlay. The Esquiline treasure is a significant example of the metalworking artistry of the late Roman period, bridging pagan and early Christian aesthetics.1