Round shaped Sword Chape for the Longer Spatha or shorter semi-spatha short sword. The end attachment clamping the wooden pieces of the scabbard together at the end point of the scabbard.  Two crescent shaped openings exist near the top, with a raised central peak.  A line/ridge runs down the center. Completely intact piece with the original wet environment green patina.  The chape widens at the top, much like an wedge does when viewed from the side (see the side view photo). (2)

In the 3rd Century the Gladius was phased out and a long wider Spatha was introduced to to the Roman army. Along with this came a difference in how the sword was worn on the belt (now attached through a belt over the shoulder called a baldric). A variety of chapes were around during this period, the only consistent thread was that the pointed earlier type was phased out.  The sheaths no long had large elaborate decorations on them as earlier ones had.  Some of the chapes were  larger than this example (See Round Spatha Chape) and others were even rectangular. (1)(2)(3)

Spatha Chape examples from Strageath, Newstead and Hadrian's Wall.

-sketch by M. BISHOP (2)

-painting by M. Daniels

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Side View