Bridle bit (Fragment)

Add to album

This fragmentary bronze bridle bit for a horse harness was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. The decoration on the bit is in a local style. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The bit is broken at both ends.

There were two classes of Roman soldiers: the elite legionary and the ordinary auxiliary soldier, each with its own particular type of equipment. Some of the auxiliaries were recruited locally, and used native weapons or equipment, such as horse fittings.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-037-114-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 575
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Copper alloy; ornamented on one part by a transversely grooved bar between two trumpet-shaped terminals
  Bit / fragment
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Bit / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Copper alloy three-link bit fragment, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 28, 53; vol. 2, no. 7. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: