A Roman cremation vessel discovered in Colchester over 170 years ago will be part of a nationwide exhibition. The Colchester Vase, found in a Roman grave and currently housed in Colchester Castle, will be featured in the British Museum’s touring “Gladiators of Britain” exhibition.
The 2nd-century Roman cremation vessel depicts scenes of gladiatorial battles, providing early evidence of such spectacles in Roman Britain. Along with other artifacts like a glass sports cup and a gladiator helmet lamp, the vase has been temporarily removed from display at Colchester Castle for the exhibition.
Starting in January 2025 at the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, the vase will travel the country until 2026, making stops in Northampton, Chester, and Carlisle. Natalie Sommers, from Colchester Council, expressed pride in sharing Colchester’s Roman heritage with a wider audience through this national exhibition.
The “Gladiators of Britain” exhibition will delve into the history of gladiatorial combat in Roman Britain, showcasing important artifacts from the British Museum and partner institutions. The Colchester Vase will play a significant role in offering insights into the lives of Romans in Britain.
Glynn Davis, a senior curator at Colchester Museums, highlighted the importance of the Colchester Vase in shedding light on the gladiators of Roman Britain. New research and scientific analysis are providing a better understanding of who these gladiators were and the nature of the Roman games they participated in.
Overall, the nationwide tour of the Colchester Vase provides a unique opportunity to appreciate and learn more about the Roman heritage of Colchester and the role it played in Roman Britain. The exhibition promises to offer fresh perspectives on gladiatorial combat and the lives of those involved in these violent spectacles.
