Arrowhead

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This iron arrowhead was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It would have been used by an archer in the auxiliary infantry, sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The arrowhead is triangular in section, with three edges. It is slightly fluted, and missing one barb. The tang at the bottom would have inserted into a wooden shaft.

Roman auxiliary troops were recruited from the populations of conquered countries. As a result, their equipment varied widely. Skilled archers, some recruited from as far away as Syria, served in the auxiliary infantry in Britain.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-889-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 213
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron; three-edged; tanged; one barb missing
  
• Dimensions: 1.69" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron arrowhead from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 189, Pl. XXXVIII, 7. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: