Exploring Brooch Designs from Roman Britain
Brooches were extremely popular in Roman times, worn regardless of gender. Whilst today we might use a variety of fastenings, like zips or press studs, the Romans often used brooches or ‘fibulae‘ to fasten their cloaks and tunics. Brooches were both practical and also decorative.
Trumpet Brooches
Craven Museum & Gallery, Skipton
Nowadays, we use the term ‘trumpet’ brooch to describe a particular type of Roman brooch. This isn’t what the Romans would have called them. Instead, it’s based on their shape. Originating in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, they seem to have been especially popular in Roman Britain.
The trumpet brooch’s design likely developed out of a practical need. The larger trumpet section housed the hinge mechanism that fastened the pin. It would have helped conceal larger fastenings needed for holding heavier garments and fabrics.
This example is from Craven Museum and Gallery in Skipton. Find out more about the Romans in Craven on their website.
Watch the Video to introduce trumpet brooches to younger children
Watch The Video With Subtitles
Zoomorphic Brooches
Roman hare-design brooch, from Richmondshire Museum, North Yorkshire
Zoomorphic is the term used to describe animal-shaped brooches.
A number of examples have been found in Roman Britain, including this hare-design from North Yorkshire, now part of the collection at Richmondshire Museum.
Hares may have been a symbol of fertility. Other animals which feature on Roman brooches include horses and birds.
Novelty Design Brooches
Roman ‘sandal’ brooches from Malton Museum, North Yorkshire
Recognisably in the shape of Roman sandals, these two brooches are made from a copper-alloy. Alloys are stronger and therefore more durable than using copper alone. They have then been decorated with enamelled detailing.
It’s possible that they may have been deposited as votive offerings at a shrine.
These brooches are from Malton Museum which has a significant collection of Roman objects. A Roman settlement grew in the region, based around a Roman military fort.
Activity
Coming soon – create your own Roman brooch design
Which is your favourite Roman brooch design? Why?
When was the last time your wore a brooch? Why do you think brooches are less popular that they used to be?
Why do you think hare designs were popular? What do you think they could symbolise? Which animal would use choose for a brooch or badge?
Do you think the trumpet-shape was a practical brooch? How?
The Romans didn’t call it a ‘trumpet’ shape. Look at it carefully. Can you think of any other names for it?
Both men and women wore brooches in Roman times. Do you think you’re able to tell which were for men and which were for women? Do any of them appear to be gender-neutral?
Do you think it would be difficult to fasten your clothes with a brooch? What other fastenings do we have today? Do you think brooches would work as well as zips?
Vocabulary
Zoomorphic: in the shape of an animal
Symbolise: to represent something else, e.g. a lamb might symbolise the spring
Gender-neutral: for men or women, without gender stereotyping
In the Classroom
Hotseat
Choose one of the brooches and interview a student in role as the Roman wearer who has lost it. How do they feel about losing it? What were they doing to lose it? How will they replace it? Ask them to describe the brooch in as much detail as possible so that you can help them look for it.
Hands on History
Many museums have substantial collections of Roman objects.
In North Yorkshire:
Malton Museum runs ‘Roman Legacy’ workshops, bringing objects into schools across the region, and you can also borrow an object loan box to explore the Romans in Ryedale. Schools can also book a free self-led visit to Aldborough Roman Site (English Heritage). Groups can explore the museum and discover the amazing array of Roman objects reflecting everyday life.
Over in the Yorkshire Dales, you can also learn take part in a Romans workshop and borrow an object loan box from The Dales Countryside Museum. There’s also a Roman loan box at Richmondshire Museum.
Click on the pins to find out more about the museums with Roman brooches in Yorkshire.
Find more Roman objects