Shield boss

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This iron shield boss was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used by an auxiliary soldier between 80 and 180 AD.

The shield boss is sub-conical in shape, with a large part of one side missing.

Roman shields were generally made of wood, covered with leather and metal fittings including the central boss. Auxiliary soldiers preferred oval shields with circular bosses, as in this case, while legionary soldiers preferred rectangular shields.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-469-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 165
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron; sub-conical; large part of one side missing
  
• Dimensions: 4.25" D
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron shield boss from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  
• References:
• Translations:
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