Roman Fiddle

I found this article recently in a German historical magazine (Epoc 1/09) and thought I'd share it with you.

It shows a Roman fiddle (catena) that was discovered between Kassel and Goettingen at former Roman fort at Hedemuenden at a depth of about 15 inches. The interesting aspect is that it consists only of two iron rods that can be easily locked when put together. Probably from around 9 b.c. The rest of the text is about knives and other goodies found there.

The second photo shows the fiddle pre-restauration.

Nils

Simple, yet effective.

Probably was invented by one of my ancestors...

I found this article recently in a German historical magazine (Epoc 1/09) and thought I'd share it with you.

It shows a Roman fiddle (catena) that was discovered between Kassel and Goettingen at former Roman fort at Hedemuenden at a depth of about 15 inches. The interesting aspect is that it consists only of two iron rods that can be easily locked when put together. Probably from around 9 b.c. The rest of the text is about knives and other goodies found there.

The second photo shows the fiddle pre-restauration.

Nils

Click to expand...

"Fiddles" or "Neck Violins" as they are called because they were often made in wood with the body shape scrolled to resemble a violin were very popular in Medieval Europe where they were used as a restraint for a number of offences.

Most usually they were used as a public punishment for some small infraction (much like Shame Masks) and the victim was forced to wear the device in public.

Examples also exist that were two linked together by chains or one Fiddle that would hold two prisoners facing each other. This variation was often placed on two women in the village who disliked each other and were quarrelsome.

And, on occassion, fiddles were also used to confine those accused of witchcraft or heresay.

The thinking was if they had to face each other up close and personal for an extended period of time they would finally work out thier problems and learn to be civil to each other.

Some times the fiddles were not only carved but were also painted and even dated. I have a Medieval German one in my collection that bears the carved in date of 1528.

Examples exist that were also made of forged iron but this Roman one you have posted pictures of has got to be the earliest example I have ever seen.

Unlike it's European counterparts that came later on, I would imagine the purpose of this fiddle was not shame or public humiliation but was instead one of pure restraint and it more than likely was used on slaves or prisoners of war taken in battle.

Thank you very much for posting this. As one who has a great interest in researching Medieval and ancient restraints this fills in some blanks for me.

Cheers, Steve Santini

I found this article recently in a German historical magazine (Epoc 1/09) and thought I'd share it with you.

It shows a Roman fiddle (catena) that was discovered between Kassel and Goettingen at former Roman fort at Hedemuenden at a depth of about 15 inches. The interesting aspect is that it consists only of two iron rods that can be easily locked when put together. Probably from around 9 b.c. The rest of the text is about knives and other goodies found there.

The second photo shows the fiddle pre-restauration.

Nils

Click to expand...

This is a picture of one of my Medieval wooden fiddles.

It bears the carved date of 1528 and also a carved star, which was the symbol for birth, and the cross, which symbolized death.

These were liekly carved into the device to symbolize the power justice had over life and death.

Many Medieval German restraints and torture devices bore symbolic markings such as these.

I found this article recently in a German historical magazine (Epoc 1/09) and thought I'd share it with you.

It shows a Roman fiddle (catena) that was discovered between Kassel and Goettingen at former Roman fort at Hedemuenden at a depth of about 15 inches. The interesting aspect is that it consists only of two iron rods that can be easily locked when put together. Probably from around 9 b.c. The rest of the text is about knives and other goodies found there.

The second photo shows the fiddle pre-restauration.

Nils

Click to expand...

Of my fiddle as well as some other Medieval restraints in my collection.

Cheers, Steve Santini

I found this article recently in a German historical magazine (Epoc 1/09) and thought I'd share it with you.

It shows a Roman fiddle (catena) that was discovered between Kassel and Goettingen at former Roman fort at Hedemuenden at a depth of about 15 inches. The interesting aspect is that it consists only of two iron rods that can be easily locked when put together. Probably from around 9 b.c. The rest of the text is about knives and other goodies found there.

The second photo shows the fiddle pre-restauration.

Nils

Click to expand...

That's a lot of interesting pieces right there, Steve.

I forgot to mention, the text states these were probably used for prisoners or slaves (rather not a device for punishment).


And Lars, no need to scoot over here - they're already in my collection. : )

I found this article recently in a German historical magazine (Epoc 1/09) and thought I'd share it with you.

It shows a Roman fiddle (catena) that was discovered between Kassel and Goettingen at former Roman fort at Hedemuenden at a depth of about 15 inches. The interesting aspect is that it consists only of two iron rods that can be easily locked when put together. Probably from around 9 b.c. The rest of the text is about knives and other goodies found there.

The second photo shows the fiddle pre-restauration.

Nils

Click to expand...

They were used for prisoners or slaves.

I think I mentioned that in my earlier post but it's nice to know from the source.

Thank you again for posting that info and the pics.

They are a very rare and special restraint device!

Cheers, Steve