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 has finely etched decoration. A stud originally fastened through the central hole. It was coated with silver or tin to give a shiny appearance.

Excavations at Newstead have revealed much about the layout, daily life and equipment in Roman camps in Scotland. Some of the finer harness equipment was probably used in tournaments or ceremonies rather than fighting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-085-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 532
• 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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