Roman fibula from 7th century BCE

Scientists believe that the inscription on Roman fibula is the earliest use of Latin. The object is dated to the 7th century BCE.

The inscription on the object is written in old Latin: MANIOS MED FHEFHAKED NVMASIOI. The same inscription in classical Latin would be: MANIVS ME FECIT NVMERIO and means: “I was created by Manius for Numerius”.