from Newstead, Roxburghshire
This silvered bronze harness junction, sometimes called a phalera, was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It formed part of the equipment of the auxiliary cavalry, used between 80 and 180 AD.
The harness junction was coated with silver or tin to give a shiny appearance. It is quite corroded. A stud originally fastened through the central hole.
The harnesses of Roman cavalrymen were decorated with a range of mounts and pendants. Some of the finer examples, such as this one, were probably used in tournaments or ceremonies rather than fighting.
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