Turf Cutter
Description
This iron turf cutter was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used to cut turfs when constructing ramparts, sometime between 80 and 180 AD. Iron scythe or turf cutter from Newstead Roman soldiers were builders as well as fighters. On the march, they built temporary ramparts and ditches around their camps. Once an area had been conquered, the army built forts and permanent barracks of wood or stone. Photo © National Museums Scotland
Object Information
Date Created:
80-180 CE
Local ID:
X.FRA 291
Collection:
National Museums Scotland
Place of Creation/Discovery:
Trimontium
Citation:
Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, Ghillean. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 57.
Materials:
Iron
Cultural Attribution:
Roman
Period:
1st-2nd Century CE
Classification:
Tools, Military
Rights:
In Copyright- National Museums Scotland