Amulet

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This bronze amulet was found during excavations at the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The amulet has a phallic terminal. It is perforated through the centre to allow it to be fastened by a cord or some other means.

The Romans were superstitious, and used amulets and pictures of the gods to ward off evil. Phallic representations are found on a large number of Roman objects. They were thought to produce good luck and protect against the evil spirits.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-818-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 629
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze amulet with phallic symbol, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 150, Pl LXXVII, 2. 
• Translations:
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