Brooch

This enamelled bronze brooch, also known as a fibula, was one of two found together at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. In the Roman Empire brooches of this shape are found only in Britain. They were worn in the 2nd century AD by both Romans and natives.

The brooch is of a special type called a trumpet brooch, due to the shape of the head which protects the spring. It has fine enamel decoration on the body and head. It would have been worn as a pair, linked to its partner by a chain.

Brooches were used to fasten clothing, and are understandably a common find on Roman sites. Trumpet brooches are a fusion of Roman and native influences: they are Roman products, but with native ornamentation or features.

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