Brooch

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This bronze brooch, also known as a fibula, was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was probably made locally, sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The brooch is of a type called a dragonesque fibula, found in both Roman and native contexts in northern Britain and Scotland, but only rarely on the Continent. It has blue enamel on the body.

Brooches were used to fasten clothing, and are understandably a common find on Roman sites. Dragonesqure brooches are a fusion of Roman and native influences: they are Roman products, but with native ornamentation. They were often worn in pairs.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-737-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FR 446
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; dragonesque; blue enamel cloisons
  Brooch, fibula
  
• Dimensions: 1.88" L
  
• What: Brooch, fibula
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Roman dragonesque fibula of bronze with blue cloisonne, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Johns, Catherine. The jewellery of Roman Britain. Celtic and Classical traditions. London: UCL Press Ltd., 1996, pp. 151-3. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: