Shoe

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This leather shoe was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort of Newstead in Roxburghshire. It is a type known as a calceus, and was worn between 100 and 120 AD.

The shoe has a pierced, openwork upper. Although it appears very elaborate, it was the typical soldier's footwear of the time.

The Roman calceus was made from three pieces of leather - an upper, a sole and an insole - nailed together with hobnails. The upper of the calceus was tied by thongs.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-787-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 77
• Date: Between 100 and 120 AD
  c. 100 - 120
  
• Material: Leather; pierced reticulated upper
  Calceus / shoe
  
• Dimensions: 9.00" L
  
• What: Calceus / shoe
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Leather calceus from Newstead, c. 100 - 120 A.D.
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, Ghillean. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 37. 
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