From Newstead, Roxburghshire
This iron shield boss was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used by an auxiliary soldier between 80 and 180 AD.
The shield boss is sub-conical in shape, with a large part of one side missing.
Roman shields were generally made of wood, covered with leather and metal fittings including the central boss. Auxiliary soldiers preferred oval shields with circular bosses, as in this case, while legionary soldiers preferred rectangular shields.
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