Sword

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This iron sword was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It is a native style, rather than Roman, sword which was used by auxiliary troops sometime between 80 and 100 AD.

The sword has Celtic-style fittings and a knob at the pommel. The sword is doubled over just below the hilt.

There were two classes of Roman soldiers: the elite legionary and the ordinary auxiliary soldier, each with its own particular type of equipment. Some of the auxiliaries were recruited locally, and used native weapons or equipment.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-829-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 136
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Iron; doubled over just below hilt
  
• Dimensions: Blade 23.00" L; tang 5.50" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Broken sword with Celtic style fittings, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p. 185, Pl. XXXIV, 8. 
• Translations:
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