What is the Hod Hill spatha - IA or Roman?

[Caballo]

Good questions!

As I recall, it was found by the auxillary fort, possibly in a ditch. Could be a) or b)- but I'm inclined towards b) A Romanised, late La Tene-type sword (by that I mean the property of a La Tene-influenced auxilary cavalryman) - as I can't think of another example of a trophy weapon being found in that type of context.

As regards scabbard, here is a contemporary chape also found at Hod Hill, with some similarities of Celtic style.


Its on page 273 of Stead, British Iron Age Swords and Scabbards, and plate A5 in Brailsford, Hod Hill Vol 1 - Antiquities from Hod Hill in the Durden Collection. This would imply an organic hilt with metal fittings.

I love the Isleham scabbard as a possible all metal combination
which would look like this.



but it has been pointed out that this is a little early. http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/25-alli...patha.html

An alternative would be the Stanwick scabbard


I'd thoroughly recommend getting hold of a copy of Stead ,British Iron Age Swords and Scabbards- lots of info.

Cheers

Paul