Ave!

Flagellum, Roman Whip-end, Roman, Rare!

Copper alloy; 26mm x 25mm / 26.9gm    ca. 1st Cent B.C. - 2nd Cent A.D.

Con/ about As Cast; dark green patina.

Seller's Note/ A very large Roman bronze flagellum or scourge (Cat 'o' Nine Tails) punishment instrument. Such pieces would have attached to the end of a multiple leather cords and used to inflict punishment upon soldiers when they acted against orders, or on slaves for whatever reason their owners thought deserved such harsh treatment. It would have whipped the recipients back bloody to the bone.

With four rows of multiple radiating spikes to the outer face... some barbs worn in antiquity, likely from extensive use. A fascinating piece of very distasteful Roman history.