Mess can (detail)

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This is a detail of a bronze mess can found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It shows the inscription on the rim. The mess can dates from between 80 and 180 AD.

The inscription on the rim reads 'Turma Crispi Nigri' ('Troop of Crispus, property of Niger'). Like all of the mess cans from Newstead, this example shows considerable signs of wear.

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: 000-190-001-189-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1191
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; everted rim; punctured inscription
  Kettle, camp
  
• Dimensions: 125 mm H x 180 mm Dia (max)
  
• What: Kettle, camp
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze camp kettle with everted rim and punctured inscription 'turma Crispi Nigri', from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, G. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 43. 
  • Curle, J. A Roman Frontier Post and its People: The Fort of Newstead in the Parish of Montrose. Glasgow: J Maclehose & Sons, 1911, pp 273-4, pl. LIII. 
• Translations:
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