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Roman 'miniature masterpiece' to be displayed for first time

News imagePA Media The brooch is a a rectangle shaped object with a brown taper shaped end. The rectangle shaped section is decorated with a red and yellow chevron-like pattern. The brooch has been photographed against a black background. PA Media
The brooch was found in 2022 by a metal detectorist

A rare Roman brooch discovered by a metal detectorist in Midlothian is to go on show for the first time in a new exhibition.

Described by archaeologists as a "miniature masterpiece", the brooch was unearthed near Pathhead in 2022.

Experts believe it was probably made in northern England, and blends local and Roman styles.

It will be displayed at Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire which opens at the National Museum of Scotland (NMS) in Edinburgh in November.

Dr Fraser Hunter, principal curator of prehistory and Roman archaeology at NMS, said: "The Pathhead brooch is a miniature masterpiece of craftworking and the details are exquisite.

"Fancy Roman pieces like this were unusual even at the time and were used to show off in local society."

He added: "Whoever wore it would have been out to impress and I'm sure visitors will be dazzled by it when they see it up close."

At the time the brooch was made, craftworkers took inspiration from brooches brought in by invading Romans and added touches reflecting local tastes and styles.

Other archaeological finds suggest there was an Iron Age settlement in the area around where the brooch was found, and that it was a community that engaged with Rome.

News imagePA Media A woman wearing glasses holds up the brooch in a hand while wearing purple, protective gloves. The brooch is a a rectangle shaped object with a brown taper shaped end. The rectangle shaped section is decorated with a red and yellow chevron-like pattern.PA Media
Experts believe the item was given as a gift

The brooch features enamel which has been carefully laid out in a zig-zag pattern alternating between red and yellow blocks.

It dates from about 100 to 160 AD.

Experts said such a rare and valuable brooch was unlikely to have been available to buy or trade.

It may have been been given as a gift to influence a local leader, and it is suggested it was perhaps worn as a symbol of status and favour.

The exhibition where the brooch will feature aims to reshape the public's understanding of Scotland's relationship with the Roman world and will run from 14 November this year to 28 April 2027.