Cup

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This bronze cup was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It has been marked with the names of three successive owners, two on the rim and one on the base. The cup dates from between 80 and 100 AD.

The cup is missing its handle. This picture shows the faint inscription 'Maximi' which has been scratched on the base, meaning 'property of Maximus'.

Brought to Scotland by the Romans, writing was a vital part of the bureaucracy generated by the army. Many Roman soldiers could read and write to some extent, and marked their names on their belongings.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-366-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1197
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Copper alloy; small; imperfect; 'Maximi' scratched on the bottom
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Small cup of copper alloy with the name 'Maximi' scratched on the bottom, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p. 275, pl. LIV, 9. 
• Translations:
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