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Birds and beasts in Roman Britain

Clay roof-tile

Height: 21.000 cm

P&EE 1911 2-6 1

Clay roof-tile

From: Holt, Clwyd
Date: 2nd-3rd century AD

This triangular clay tile, called an 'antefix', once stood on the edge of a roof. Look for LEG XX which is the name of the 20th Legion of the Roman Army. Perhaps this tile was made for the roof of one of the buildings in the fortress of the 20th Legion.

Every legion had a mascot, and the 20th's was a charging boar. Romans thought boars were brave warlike animals. The soldiers must have been comforted having a boar as their legion's mascot, as they thought it would keep them safe in battle.