Lance head

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This iron lance head was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was part of the equipment of the auxiliary cavalry, used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The lance head is leaf-shaped.

Roman spears were either thrown or thrust at a target. The two functions led to differences in manufacture, with throwing spears (javelins) usually lighter. The auxiliary cavalry carried either throwing spears or the heavier thrusting lance.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-853-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 169
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  
• Dimensions: 13.88" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Cavalry lance head of iron, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p. 188, Pl. XXXVI, 4. 
• Translations:
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