Iron spearhead

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This iron spearhead was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It dates from between 80 and 100 AD.

Some wood fragments survive on this well-preserved spearhead. The blade has a punched inscription reading 'T IVN T BA/X', which can be translated as 'turma [cavalry unit] of Iun...; turma of Ba...'.

Many Roman soldiers could read and write to some extent, and marked their names on their belongings.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-855-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 171
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Iron with wood fragments; punctured inscription
  Spearhead
  
• Dimensions: 10.63" L
  
• What: Spearhead
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron spearhead with punctured inscription indicating ownership, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, James. A Roman frontier post and its people: the Fort of Newstead in the parish of Melrose. Glasgow: Maclehose & Sons, 1911
• Translations:
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