Jug

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This bronze wine jug was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was imported from Italy and used at the fort sometime between 80 and 100 AD. Only officers could afford such elaborate jugs.

The body of the large jug is plain but the handle is richly decorated. A projecting lotus-bud between two birds' heads is situated where the rim meets the handle. At the base of the handle is a head in relief of Bacchus, the god of wine.

The Roman army imported luxury goods for the upper ranks of the army. For example, wine jugs like this one and fine tableware were imported from the Mediterranean, the Rhineland and France.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-190-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1193
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; large; handle ending in a bacchanal's head with ivy tendrils in the hair
  Jug, wine
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Jug, wine
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Large bronze wine jug with a handle ending in a bacchanal's head with ivy tendrils in the hair, 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 46. 
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