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This samian ware bowl was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was imported from Roman Gaul sometime between 140 and 180 AD.

The decorated bowl features a circle with Venus standing beside a column, with an owl to the right and a snake to the left. A dancer holding a scarf, a bird and a cupid are also depicted. The bowl was stamped with name of its maker: 'CINNAMVS'.

Many mass-produced articles in the Roman world were stamped or inscribed by the manufacturers to indicate the makers, contents, dates or ownership, suggesting basic literacy amongst a wide section of the Roman population.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-382-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1322
• Date: Between 140 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Samian ware; on medallion, Venus standing beside a column, an owl, a snake; on panel, dancer holding scarf
  Pottery / bowl
  
• Dimensions: 5.25" H x 9.50" D
  
• What: Pottery / bowl
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Samian bowl with a medallion showing Venus beside a column, with an owl on the right and a snake on the left, found at Newstead, imported from Gaul
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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