Seal box

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This enamelled bronze seal box was found at the site of the Roman fort at Mumrills in Stirlingshire. It would have been attached to a wooden and wax tablet, to attest that a document was authentic. The box dates from between 140 and 165 AD.

This picture shows the top of the seal box. It was decorated with a chequerboard pattern, the cells filled in with enamel. There are projections at each corner.

Brought to Scotland by the Romans, writing was a vital part of the bureaucracy generated by the army. Some of the seal boxes which were attached to tablets were expensive and ornate, as this example.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-545-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRB 405
• Date: Between 140 and 165 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; lozenge-shaped; projections at each corner; one face decorated with diaper pattern inlaid with green and red enamel
  
• Dimensions: 1.30" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
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• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
  
• Event:
• Description: Lozenge-shaped bronze seal box with projections at each corner, decorated on one face with diaper pattern inlaid with green and red enamel, from Mumrills
  
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