Beads

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These three glass beads were found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. They were probably used to decorate horse harnesses.

One bead is of dark blue glass, one of dark grey, and the third of black opaque glass. All are of a type called a melon bead, due to their obvious resemblance to the fruit.

Excavations at Newstead have revealed much about the layout, daily life and equipment in Roman camps in Scotland. The cavalry had special equipment for tournaments and ceremonies, to impress visitors and build morale.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-478-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 872
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  80 - 180 AD
  80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Black, opaque; melon-shaped
  Dark grey; melon-shaped
  Glass, dark blue; melon-shaped
  Bead
  Bead
  Bead
  
• Dimensions: 0.90" x 0.65"
  0.94" D
  
• What: Bead
  Bead
  Bead
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  Newstead Collection
  Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Melon bead of dark blue glass, from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  Dark grey melon bead, from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  Black opaque melon bead, from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. LCI, 11. 
• Translations:
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