Harness junction

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This enamelled 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 double loops on the back. There is a small band inlaid with patches of silver around 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: 000-100-037-201-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 827
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Loops on back
  Phalera
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Phalera
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Phalera from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 333, Pl. LXXXIX, 5. 
• Translations:
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