A new find of lead mirror frames from Rit (Viminacium)

Abstract

Eleven miniature lead mirror frames were discovered during the protective archaeological excavations of Viminacium in 2015, at the Rit site. The frames were found in a ditch probably used at fi rst as a canal for drainage and was fi lled with waste material during the cleaning of the necropolis afterwards. Some of the mirrors represent a unique fi nd, since few of these types have been found on the territory of Viminacium so far, and the only analogies are the ones from the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest. These fi nds confi rm the widespread opinion about these mirrors not having been used as cosmetic or toilet articles, but as cult/apotropaic objects.