In a groundbreaking achievement, the National Museums Scotland has successfully reconstructed a 2,000-year-old Roman armed guard, one of only three known examples from the Roman Empire. The brass arm guard, discovered at the Trimontium fort site near Melrose, Scottish Borders, was previously broken into over 100 fragments. The remarkable breakthrough was made possible by the collaboration of Fraser Hunter, principal curator of prehistoric and Roman archaeology at National Museums Scotland, and Bethan Bryan, assistant artifact conservator. The reconstructed arm guard is the most intact example of its kind and will be displayed for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, allowing viewers to picture the legionary who once wore it.
The arm guard not only served as a symbol of protection but also of status, as brass was an expensive material that would have gleamed like gold on the sword arm. Hunter and Bryan carefully considered how the piece would have looked 2,000 years ago, taking into account the cultural and historical context of the Roman Empire. The armed guard will now go on permanent display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh after the British Museum exhibition ends.
The exhibition “Legion: Life In The Roman Army” at the British Museum will feature a display of classic legionary segmental body armor, which will be showcased alongside the reconstructed arm guard. According to Richard Abdy, curator of Roman and Iron Age coins at the British Museum, the arm guard is an iconic piece of equipment for Roman gladiators, making it unusual to see it as a sword arm protection for Roman soldiers too. The display provides a fascinating look into the dark side of Roman civilization and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Roman Empire, which once spanned across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
National Museums Scotland
The reconstruction of the armed guard is a significant achievement in the field of archaeology, providing new insights into the lives of Roman soldiers and the material culture of the Roman Empire. The exhibition promises to be an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the daily life, equipment, and tactics of Roman legionaries. The reconstructed arm guard will be a central piece of the exhibition, offering a look into the equipment and armor used by Roman soldiers. The display will also explore the social and economic context of the Roman Empire, providing a comprehensive understanding of life in the Roman army.
The reconstruction of the armed guard is a testament to the skill and dedication of conservation experts and an invaluable addition to the British Museum’s collection. Its display will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Roman Empire, which once spanned across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The exhibition promises to be a must-see event for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or the Roman Empire, offering a fascinating look into the arsenal and equipment of Roman soldiers, as well as the daily life and struggles of the people who lived under Roman rule.
The reconstruction of the 2,000-year-old Roman armed guard is a remarkable achievement that offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the Roman Empire. Its display at the British Museum will provide visitors with a fascinating look into the arsenal and equipment of Roman soldiers, as well as the daily life and struggles of the people who lived under Roman rule. The exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering a comprehensive understanding of life in the Roman army and the culture of the Roman Empire.
