Pietroasele Treasure

Of the twenty-two pieces, only twelve have survived, conserved at the National Museum of Romanian History, in Bucharest: a large eagle-headed fibula and three smaller ones encrusted with semi-precious stones; a patera, or round sacrificial dish, modelled with Orphic figures[1] surrounding a seated three-dimensional goddess in the center; a twelve-sided cup, a ring with a Gothic runic inscription, a large tray, two other necklaces and a pitcher.

When Alexandru Odobescu published his book on the treasure,[2] he considered that such magnificent work could only have belonged to Athanaric (died 381), leader of the Thervings, a Gothic people.

The treasure was shipped to Moscow in December 1916, as German armies advanced through Romania in World War I, and was not returned until 1956.

In its original state the head would have faced forwards and the brooch would have sat like a bird on the shoulder fastening a cloak in imitation of the Roman fashion.

[3] Pietroasele Treasure has been called by Romanians „Cloșca cu puii de aur”  (The hatching hen with the golden chicken).