A recent examination of the renowned Colchester vase has revealed that gladiators fought in Roman Britain during the second century A.D. The vivid illustrations of gladiatorial battles depicted on the clay vase provide the first definitive proof that these fighters engaged in combat in Roman Britain, offering fresh insights into the ancient sporting events that occurred at the edges of the Roman Empire.
Discovery of the Colchester Vase
The Colchester vase, unearthed in a Roman-era burial site in Britain in 1853, has long intrigued scholars. This vessel, which contains cremated remains, has confounded historians for many years. Until recently, it was uncertain whether the vase was produced locally or imported from continental Europe, where gladiatorial contests were prevalent.
New Insights from Recent Studies
A forthcoming study has shown that the vase was crafted from local clay as a memento of a particular gladiatorial match in the second century A.D. This discovery provides unprecedented insights into the athletic events that took place in Roman Britain. Colchester, where the vase was discovered, is situated in southeast England, approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) from London. Known as Camulodunum in Roman times, Colchester was a significant urban center with a flourishing pottery industry and featured three theaters as well as the only chariot racetrack in Britain by the second century A.D.
Detailed Depictions of Gladiatorial Combat
Standing 9 inches (23 centimeters) tall and weighing over 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram), the Colchester vase showcases three scenes of gladiatorial combat involving three types of fighters: human vs. human, human vs. animal, and animal vs. animal. One illustration features “bestiarii” (animal fighters) named Secundus and Mario battling a bear. Another scene depicts Memnon and Valentinus engaged in a fight where Memnon is a “secutor” (pursuer) and Valentinus is a “retiarius” (net fighter), pitting a lightly armored opponent against one wielding a trident and net, symbolizing a fisherman and his catch. Valentinus is identified as part of the 30th legion stationed in northwestern Germany, while Memnon is noted with Roman numerals VIIII, indicating he fought and survived nine bouts.
Local Craftsmanship Confirmed
Initially, researchers doubted that the intricate ornamentation on the vase could have been produced in Britain. However, increasing evidence supporting Colchester’s pottery industry enabled the research team to classify the vase as a locally made artifact dating to A.D. 160-200. A thorough analysis of the inscription, once believed to have been added post-firing, revealed it was inscribed while the clay was still pliable, after the decorative elements were applied. John Pearce, a senior archaeology lecturer at King’s College London, affirmed this finding in correspondence with Live Science.
The Vase as a Funerary Urn
Originally intended as a commemorative cup, the vase was eventually repurposed as a funerary urn. The intricate portrayal of gladiatorial combat on the Colchester vase captures an important moment in its history. The inscription adds to its significance as a keepsake, likely reflecting the promotional excitement surrounding the match, with placards displaying the names of the combatants.
Analysis of the Cremated Remains
Scientific examination of the cremated bones indicates they belonged to a sturdy man over 40 years old at the time of his death. His dental analysis suggests he did not originate from Colchester but rather from southwestern England or possibly further afield. However, there is no evidence to suggest he was one of the gladiators illustrated on the vase. Pearce remarked that there is insufficient justification for linking the remains to any performer.
Speculations on the Deceased’s Connection to Gladiators
Steven Tuck, a professor of history and classics at Miami University in Ohio, proposed that the individual whose remains were cremated may have been an admirer of gladiators or associated with a specific fighter. The choice to use a gladiatorial-themed vase as an urn could imply a deeper personal connection. Tuck speculates that this person may have had ties to the event, potentially as a retired gladiator who continued to engage with the spectacle.
Conclusion
With its gladiatorial motifs and locally sourced clay, the Colchester vase stands out as an exceptional representation of Roman-style games in a remote region of the empire. Given the scarcity of documented accounts of such events in Britain, this vase serves as compelling evidence that gladiatorial contests took place there and that spectators brought home souvenirs from their experiences. Colchester Councillor Pam Cox expressed enthusiasm about this revelation, praising the researchers for uncovering secrets hidden within the vase. The Colchester vase will be prominently displayed in an exhibition focused on gladiators at Colchester Castle starting July 15.
