From Newstead, Roxburghshire
This fragmentary leather shoe or boot, also known as a calceus, was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It dates from around 140 to 160, providing evidence of a soldier's footwear.
Only the upper half of the shoe survives. It was probably made by using nails to attach the sole to other bottom layers. The upper part of the shoe was attached between the sole and the insole, and usually had heel stiffeners.
A variety of shoes have been found in Roman Britain, included examples where the soles were nailed or stitched to the bottom layers, sandals and one-piece shoes. Surviving where conditions are favourable, they show changing fashions over time.
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