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This Rare, Intricate Brooch Represents the Roman Empire's Long, Disjointed Attempt to Conquer Scotland
Key takeaways
- A few years ago, a metal detectorist in Scotland unearthed an ancient bronze brooch, less than 2.5 inches long, decorated with finely cut red and yellow enamel.
- “The Pathhead brooch is a miniature masterpiece of craftworking and the details are exquisite,” says Fraser Hunter, principal curator of prehistory and Roman archaeology at National Museums Scotland, in a statement.
- Soon, the artifact will be displayed for the first time, at the National Museums’ upcoming exhibition “Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.”
National Museums Scotland. A few years ago, a metal detectorist in Scotland unearthed an ancient bronze brooch, less than 2.5 inches long, decorated with finely cut red and yellow enamel. Found near the village of Pathhead, it represents how British artisans were influenced by the Romans, who invaded the island in the first century C.E.
“The Pathhead brooch is a miniature masterpiece of craftworking and the details are exquisite,” says Fraser Hunter, principal curator of prehistory and Roman archaeology at National Museums Scotland, in a statement. “Fancy Roman pieces like this were unusual, even at the time, and were used to show off in local society.”
Soon, the artifact will be displayed for the first time, at the National Museums’ upcoming exhibition “Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.”