When the Romans expanded into new territories, they sought more than control of the land—they aimed to dominate belief, identity, and loyalty. Their power extended beyond military force to law, culture, and strikingly aggressive symbolism.
One such symbol is a vivid example of that approach: a polished copper figurine depicting a panther overpowering the severed head of a defeated local enemy. The imagery is unapologetically brutal and carefully designed to send a message.
The four-inch figurine was recently discovered by a metal detectorist near Harlow, just outside London, and has become one of the most eye-catching additions to the British Museum’s records this year.
The Roman “BMW”
Unearthed in 2024, the object is a high-status decorative fitting, most likely attached to a Roman carriage. Out of the 79,616 archaeological finds reported that year, this piece stands out for both its craftsmanship and its powerful symbolism.
“This fitting is set to become one of Essex’s most iconic archaeological objects,” said Lori Rogerson, the county’s finds liaison officer, speaking to the BBC.
Far from being simple decoration, the figurine reflects how Rome used visual power and intimidation to reinforce its dominance—turning even everyday objects into statements of conquest and control.
he statue is one of the most impressive examples of psychological warfare deployed in Britain
Today, the object is green and weathered with oxidation, but in its prime it would have shone with a vivid yellow-orange glow, flashing in the sunlight as it moved along Britain’s famously straight Roman roads. It almost certainly belonged to a person of means—likely a prosperous farmer or merchant. In Roman terms, it was the status symbol of its day, comparable to owning a luxury BMW or Mercedes.
“You could see it gleaming and immediately know whose carriage was approaching,” said Dr. John Pearce, an archaeologist at King’s College London, speaking to the BBC.
Yet its true power lies in something deeper—its role in psychological intimidation. Archaeologists point out that the panther figurine represents a distinctly “Romano-British” blend. While it features classic Roman imagery, such as the panther and the defeated enemy, these elements are shaped using the flowing, geometric style typical of Iron Age British art. The message behind the design was unmistakable: this land now belonged to Rome.
