A brass arm-guard that would have protected the sword arm of a Roman soldier 1,800 years ago has been reconstructed from dozens fragments found at a fort complex in Scotland.
Discovered in over 100 pieces in 1906 at the Trimontium fort complex in southern Scotland, conservators at the National Museum of Scotland spent weeks rebuilding the arm-guard – one of three remaining from the Roman Empire.
It is the most intact example of its kind and in “remarkably” good condition, with remnants of leather straps attached to the metal.
Dr Fraser Hunter said that the “incredibly rare” arm-guard was simultaneously protection and a status symbol for the legionary who once wore it.
“Brass was expensive and would have gleamed like gold on his sword arm,” said the museum’s principal curator of prehistoric and Roman archaeology.
“It offers a vivid connection to this important period when Scotland sat on the Roman Empire’s northern frontier.”
Assistant artefact conservator Bethan Bryan added that it had been a privilege to work on such an “extraordinary piece of Scotland’s history”.
“Approaching this ancient jigsaw puzzle required careful consideration and it was important to make sure we could display the piece in a manner as near as possible to how it would have looked 2000 years ago.”
Stretching down from the shoulder to a thin square of metal that would have protected the wearer’s hand, the design is believed to be inspired by equipment worn by gladiators fighting in the arena.
The arm-guard will be lent to the British Museum for its upcoming exhibition on the Roman army.
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