Harness Junction

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This silvered bronze harness junction, sometimes called a phalera, was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It formed part of the equipment of the auxiliary cavalry, used between 80 and 180 AD.

The harness junction is corroded, but remains of holes for studs are evident around the edges and one in the centre.

The harnesses of Roman cavalrymen were decorated with a range of mounts and pendants. Some of the finer examples, such as this one, were probably used in tournaments or ceremonies rather than fighting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-084-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 531
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; silvering underneath corrosion
  Phalera
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Phalera
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Silvered bronze phalera from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. LXXIV. 
• Translations:
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