Bulla – Roman Amulet

A bulla is an amulet worn by all free-born Roman boys until sixteen years old when they traditionally would become adults. Its purpose (along with other charms in Ancient Rome) is to protect the wearer from evil spirits and forces.

The Roman Boys Amulet is made of high-quality brass with a choice of two intricate depictions and one smooth option – one with Sol Invictus, and the other with the Gorgon. The medallion can be opened to place a special protective item and store it inside of the amulet.

Bullae were made of different materials (ranging from gold to leather and cloth and with different depictions on them, depending on the wealth status of the family. Inside the bulla special items called cures (lat. “cures”) or talismans (lat. “praebia”) would be stored (often phallic symbols). Girls would not wear a Bulla. Instead, a special amulet called Lunula was worn by girls until their marriage.

A bulla was worn like a locket and was given to male children in Ancient Rome nine days after birth and would be removed only during special ceremonies. A freeborn Roman boy wore a bulla until he came of age as a Roman citizen. Before he put on his toga virilis (“toga of manhood”) he placed his boyhood bulla in the care of his parental household deities (Lares).

Material: Brass

Measurements: 35mm/1.4″ diameter, 45mm/1.8″ with the bail.

Weight: 28 g/1 ounce

*IMPORTANT NOTICE! We claim up to 7 days for processing your order. As a rule, this happens much faster – in a day or two. We do this because all items produced by ARX are being consecrated with an authentic religious ceremony before shipment. The ceremony begins with auspicium – the ritual of requesting Iuppiter’s permission for the rites following. This permission may be and may not be granted right away. Sometimes it takes several days to receive it. So sometimes (very rarely) shipment may be delayed a little longer.
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