Purse
The purse (Latin: crumina or crumena) is an ancient Roman type of wallet—a fabric or leather pouch used for storing coins and valuables. All complete purses found are made of leather, but variations made from fabric may have existed. Many pieces of fabric have been found in Egypt and Judea, but none have been preserved well enough to definitively identify them as purses.
Bags and pouches could be used by men and women of all social classes. Moreover, they were not exclusive to Roman civilization—this household item was known in Greece and other ancient civilizations as well.
The closest item in use and construction is the saccus, which could also be used for storing coins and other savings.
Bag-purse from Bargercompascuum. 2nd-3rd century CE.
Bag-purse from Bargercompascuum, reconstructionParticularly notable are metal purses, which were likely worn on the wrist like a bracelet. Due to being made of metal, a considerable number of them have been preserved. This type of purse is often considered a military attribute since they have been found near legionary bases.
Bronze purse from Vindolanda. Ashmolean Museum. 1st-2nd century CE.
Bronze purse. Found in northern Britain. Chesters Museum. 2nd century CE.
Bronze purse. Found in northern Britain. Chesters Museum. 119-122 CE.Related topics
Literature
Schlabow K. Der römische Münzschatz von Bargercompascuum. II. Der Geldbeutel (Taf. XII; Abb. 17-21) //Palaeohistoria. – 1956. – С. 81-plate XII.
