Legcuffs, Early medieval iron legcuffs (Doppelfessel)

Neues Museum

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Material: Iron
Date: Unknown (Likely Merovingian/Early Medieval, contextual)

This artifact, identified as a Doppelfessel (Legcuffs), is a heavy object made of iron, consisting of two large, rough rings connected by a central, block-like section. The crude, heavy construction suggests it was used for restraint, likely dating to the early medieval period where iron implements were essential but often unrefined. The design indicates a focus on durability and function over aesthetics.

The item is displayed alongside other iron implements from the same era, such as keys, a padlock, and tools, suggesting it belongs to a collection representing daily life and material culture of the period. This piece offers a rare glimpse into the darker aspects of medieval societal control or captivity, contrasting with the often-displayed personal finery.

32 Legcuffs, iron | Doppelfessel Eisen

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Over 1000 objects, a total weight of about 700 kilogrammes – these figures describe the impressive scale of the treasure trove dug out of a gravel pit in Neupotz in the Palatine region between 1967 and 1981. This is thus the largest hoard of metallic articles from Roman times discovered north of the Alps. For 1700 years it has survived, concealed in the gravel of an old oxbow lake of the Rhine. How did it get there?

In the second half of the 3rd century AD Germanic tribes invaded the provinces on the Rhine and Danube with increasing frequency. They pillaged unprotected country estates, villages and even towns. The “Barbarian Treasure”, the booty of plunderers, was lost on crossing the Rhine. Either the Germanic group returning home underestimated the perils of the river, or they were apprehended by the Roman Rhine fleet.

Thanks to the kindness of the owners, the brothers Ludwig and Willi Kuhn, it is possible to present this unique assembly of finds in the Neues Museum on a long-term basis.

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Supplementary images:

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Iron legcuffs (Doppelfessel) from the early medieval period, displayed with other iron tools

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Source:  Berlin, Germany