Seal box

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This enamelled bronze seal box was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It would have been attached to a wooden and wax tablet, to attest that a document was authentic. The box dates from between 80 and 180 AD.

This picture shows the top of the seal box, which is decorated with enamel.

Brought to Scotland by the Romans, writing was a vital part of the bureaucracy generated by the army. Some of the seal boxes which were attached to tablets were expensive and ornate. Occasionally the lead seals survive as well.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-207-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 848
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Pointed
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Seal box from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, pp 332-3, Pl. LXXXIX, 27. 
• Translations:
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