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 was coated with silver or tin to give a shiny appearance. It is quite corroded. A stud originally fastened through the central hole.

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: 000-100-037-091-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 540
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; silvering beneath corrosion; loop at back; ornamented on surface
  Phalera
  
• Dimensions: 1.44" D
  
• What: Phalera
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Silvered bronze phalera from Newstead
  
• References:
• Translations:
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