Caltrops

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Caltrops were iron objects with many sharp points. They were slung towards approaching enemy, especially cavalry in order to cripple horses. This example was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire.

Small iron caltrop from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD

As well as being well organised and well equipped, Roman soldiers had several other advantages over the natives in battle. They had artillery and other weapons, such as caltrops, unknown to the natives.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-470-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 224
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron; small; with points
  Caltrop
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Caltrop
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description:
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. XXXVIII, 14. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: