Brooch

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This Roman silver brooch was found in Ayrshire. They were made in Roman Britain in the later first and second century AD, and were worn by both Romans and locals.

The brooch, also known as a fibula, is of a special type called a trumpet brooch, due to the shape of the head which protects the spring. It could have been worn as a pair, linked to its partner by a chain.

Brooches were used to fasten clothing. Trumpet brooches are a fusion of Roman and native influences: they are Roman products, but with native stylistic features. Most are of bronze. This silver example would have been particularly valuable.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-437-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FG 9
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Silver; harp-shaped
  Fibula / brooch, trumpet
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Fibula / brooch, trumpet
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire
  
• Event:
• Description: Trumpet brooch of silver, from Ayrshire, 80 - 180 AD
  
• References:
  • Johns, Catherine. The jewellery of Roman Britain. Celtic and Classical traditions. London: UCL Press Ltd., 1996, pp. 160-5. 
• Translations:
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