Harness Junction

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This bronze harness junction, sometimes called a phalera, was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It is the main harness junction, and preserves four attached junction loops.

Two of the four junction loops are broken.

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: 000-100-037-096-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 548
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; disc with four attached loops
  Phalera / junction loop
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Phalera / junction loop
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze phalera with four junction loops attached, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 302, Pl. LXXIV, 6. 
• Translations:
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