Brooch

Add to album

This bronze brooch, also known as a fibula, was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was probably imported from the Rhineland between 140 and 180 AD.

The brooch is a type known as a knee brooch (due to its shape which resembles a bent knee and lower leg). This picture shows the brooch from side. The coiled spring mechanism is visible on the head.

Fibulae were used to fasten clothing, and are understandably a common find on Roman sites. Some, such as this one, were plain and for everyday use. Others were more elaborate and used for important occasions.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-002-084-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 778
• Date: 140 - 180 AD
  Between 140 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Fibula / brooch, knee
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Fibula / brooch, knee
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Knee brooch, from the Roman site at Newstead, Roxburghshire, 140 - 180 AD
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 325, Pl LXXXVII, 28. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: