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Back-plates for harness junctions

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found at Newstead, Roxburghshire

Postcard of Back-plates for harness junctions.
000-100-036-822-C
© National Museums Scotland

Back-plates for harness junctions

These bronze objects were back-plates for Roman harness junctions, also known as phalerae. They were found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. They were used to fasten the metal harness junctions to the leather straps.

The plates have the remains of rivets, used to attach the back-plates to the phalerae and leather harness. All of the pieces have the name of their owner, DOMITIVS ATTICVUS, scratched on them.

The harnesses of Roman cavalrymen were decorated with a range of mounts and pendants. Some of the finer examples were probably used in tournaments or ceremonies rather than fighting.


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Online ID: 000-100-036-822-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 129
Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
Material: Copper alloy
Dimensions:
What: Phalera backing plate
Subject:
Who: Newstead Collection
Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description: Copper alloy backing plates for phalerae, from Newstead
References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, G. 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 20. 
  • Collingwood, R. G. & Wright, R. P. The Roman Inscriptions of Britain Vol. II.3 Oxford: University Press (no. 2427.4-12) 
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