A Roman Military bronze Skillet with maker mark of Publius Cipius Polybius, Flavian Period (65-85 CE)

Excavated in Cyprus, this small bronze skillet is a testament to Roman export trade of goods throughout the empire.  The bowl is small with curving sides from a small ringed foot.  The base was cast and the bowl spun from it, the rim engraved with an elegant border of simple linear design.  Applied on one side of the bowl is a handle, slightly expanded at the termination and, toward the widest part, a keyhole-shaped opening that allowed the vessel to be suspended from a hook or peg.   Below this signature keyhole is stamped with the name of the maker -   P.CIPI.POLYBI - Publius Cipius Polybius, the most prolific of the Capuan bronze smiths during the mid 1st century AD, whose goods were the most widely distributed throughout Europe. Background: The Italian and Gaulish bronze-smiths were noted for their products, which included vases, flasks and large jars. Chief amongst the vessels produced in these workshops, however, were the large skillets, ladles, strainers and handled saucers tha