Rod

This bronze rod, perhaps from a balance or an amulet, was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The end of the rod is in a phallic shape.

The Romans were superstitious, and used amulets and pictures of the gods to ward off evil. Phallic representations are found on a large number of Roman objects. They were thought to produce good luck and protect against the evil spirits.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-037-283-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FRA 1113
Date:	Between 80 and 180 AD
Material:	Bronze; with phallic terminal
Dimensions:
What:	Rod / balance / part
Subject:
Who:	Newstead Collection
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description:	Bronze rod with phallic terminal, perhaps part of a balance, from Newstead
References:	Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. LXXVII, 1.
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