From Cramond, Midlothian
This bronze stamp was found at Cramond in Midlothian. It was probably used to stamp produce or property at some time between 140 and 211 AD.
Pictured here is the upper side of the stamp. It has a ring handle, ornamented with a leaf. The stamp creates the inscription 'Tertvlli Provinc', interpreted as 'Stamp of Provincialis, freedman of Tertullus'.
Many mass-produced articles in the Roman world were stamped or inscribed by the manufacturers to indicate the makers, contents, dates or ownership, which suggests basic literacy amongst a wide section of the Roman population.
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