Silver-gilt flask

Add to album

This silver gilt flagon was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian. It was part of a hoard containing over 150 silver objects, mainly tableware, buried between 410 and 425 AD. All but a few of the objects were fragmentary.

The neck of the flask has the Christian symbols of the Chi-Rho flanked by the Alpha and Omega, together with an obscure inscription in dotted capitals reading 'FRYMIACOEISIAFI'. The flask was crushed flat when found, and is cracked and broken.

Although some Roman soldiers were probably Christian, there is no evidence Christianity influenced the native population. Christian objects, however, are sometimes found, though in the case of the Traprain Law items, they were valued only as scrap metal.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-039-662-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVA 2
• Date: Deposited between 410 and 425 AD
  
• Material: Silver; with inscription. Inscription: [Alpha, Omega and Frymiacoeisiafi inscription]
  Flask
  
• Dimensions: 6.06" H; weight 7.3 oz
  
• What: Flask
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver flask with Alpha, Omega and 'Frymiacoeisiafi' inscription, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Curle, Alexander O. The treasure of Traprain. A Scottish hoard of Roman silver plate. Glasgow: Maclehose, Jackson and Co., 1923, p. 19-21. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: