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These five oyster shells were found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. They were probably imported from south-eastern England between 80 and 180 AD as a luxury food item.

Three oyster shells from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD

Oysters of the Thames estuary were a delicacy favoured by the Romans. They may well have been imported into Scotland along the trading system which brought the distinctive pottery known as Black Burnished Ware from the same region.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-496-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 3314
• Date: 80 - 180 AD
  80 - 180 AD
  Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Shell, oyster
  Shell, oyster
  Shell, oyster
  Shell, oyster
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Shell, oyster
  Shell, oyster
  
• Subject:
• Who: J. Curle (Excavator)
  J. Curle (Excavator)
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Two oyster shells from the Roman site at Newstead, 80 - 180 AD
  
• References:
• Translations:
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