Ancient to Medieval (And Slightly Later) History

Inscribed Roman Pugio Dagger, 1st Century AD

A highly unusual feature of this iron dagger is the punched inscription on the crossbar, which may be interpreted as: 7 PRIICONIS (centuria) Preconis / the century of Preco.

The pugio was the standard military sidearm of the Roman Empire. Though arms were stored collectively within a century, they belonged to the soldier individually. Thus inscriptions are sometimes found indicating the names of now forgotten soldiers.

(Source: ebay.com)