Sword

Add to album

This iron sword was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It would have formed part of the equipment of a member of the auxiliary cavalry between 80 and 100 AD.

The long, narrow sword is a type known as a spatha. It has a midrib and well-preserved tang.

There were two classes of Roman soldiers: the elite legionary and the ordinary auxiliary soldier, each with its own type of equipment. In the late 2nd century, the auxiliary cavalry began to carry a longer sword than ones used by legionaries.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-036-827-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 134
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  Sword, auxiliary / spatha
  
• Dimensions: 24.50" L; tang 6.00" L; blade 1.38" at hilt
  
• What: Sword, auxiliary / spatha
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Roman auxiliary sword or spatha, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p. 183, Pl. XXXIV, No. 6. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: