UN SCEPTRU DE CORN DIN ASEZAREA DIN PRIMA VÂRSTA A FIERULUI DE LA ALBA IULIA – „DEALUL FURCILOR-MONOLIT

Following the rescue archaeological researches carried out in Alba Iulia „Dealul Furcilor- Monolit”, a settlement from the first age of Iron was discovered in 2006, a horn sceptre being discovered in a pit from Sp06/2006 excavation area. The piece is made of horn, most probably deer, having a well polished and plain surface. The central area is fitted with a circular orifice for fastening of the wooden hilt. The sceptre was discovered in the pit, which may be interpreted as a ritual pit. From the first age of Iron it is known a horn sceptre from the fortified settlement from Teleac but this is decoarated. In Greek mythology the sceptre is the emblem of both gods and kings, it being noticed as attribute of: Zeus, Hera, Hefaistos, Demetra, Hades, Heracle, Aphrodite, etc. Horn sceptres and those of stone were interpreted as signs of power held by the small heads of local aristocracy, this type of pieces being taken as symbols of local aristocracy, evidences of social stratification, the sceptre being, probably, the attribute of the upper class.