Tent gable tops

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These two leather panels, used as gable tops for tents, were found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. They were used between 80 and 180 AD.

Some of the stitch marks survive, as well as marks for patches near the top.

The Roman army was based in barracks in permanent forts, but on the march soldiers built temporary fortifications each night and slept in leather tents. Many tents were required: men slept eight to a tent, and the army in Scotland was some 15,000 strong.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-460-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 65
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Leather
  Leather; triangular; stitch marks on two sides; mark for a lozenge-shaped patch near the apex
  Gable top
  Gable top
  
• Dimensions: 11.50" x 5.75"
  
• What: Gable top
  Gable top
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Leather gable top from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  Leather gable top from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  
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