13 July 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

The Colchester Vase: New Analyses Uncover Evidence of Gladiatorial Combat in Roman Britannia

The Colchester Vase, dating back to A.D. 160–200, is not just a ceramic artifact; it is considered a unique graphic and epigraphic testimony to the existence of gladiatorial combats in the Roman city of Camulodunum, now known as Colchester, illuminating the cultural and social dynamics of these games.

A new study led by Glynn J.C. Davis and John Pearce, in collaboration with experts in archaeology, epigraphy, and isotopic analysis, reveals that the Colchester Vase is more than just a decorative artifact; it is suggested to be a commissioned piece that documents a real combat event that took place in the city.

Recent discoveries surrounding the Colchester Vase have revealed its significance as a vital record of gladiatorial games in Roman Britain, showcasing the intricate connections between local culture, military influence, and the performers who captivated audiences of the time.

The vase, crafted in the kilns west of Colchester, features intricate decorations and inscriptions that name individual arena performers, suggesting it was a commissioned piece celebrating a local event.

Among the names that have intrigued researchers is Memnon, identified as a secutor—a type of gladiator known for battling against retiarii, who wielded nets and tridents. The name Memnon, derived from Greek mythology, evokes the legendary Ethiopian king associated with the Trojan War, hinting that it may have served as a stage name, a common practice among gladiators to enhance their personas in the arena. The inscription reveals that Memnon participated in at least nine combats, suggesting he had a notable career within the competitive world of Roman entertainment, where success was often measured by the number of fights fought and victories achieved.

The inscription below the rim of the Colchester Vase. Credit: D. Atfield / Colchester Museums
The inscription below the rim of the Colchester Vase. Credit: D. Atfield / Colchester Museums

Another noteworthy name in the inscription is Valentinus, linked to the Legio XXX Ulpia Victrix, which was stationed in Xanten, modern-day Germany. This connection raises intriguing questions about the relationship between gladiators and the Roman military, a topic that has sparked considerable debate among historians. Some scholars propose that certain legions may have maintained their own groups of gladiators for entertainment purposes. The absence of recorded combats for Valentinus in the inscription may indicate that he was a tiro, or novice gladiator, embarking on his journey in the arena, where the path to fame and glory often began with a single fight.

Recent research has challenged previous assumptions about the vase’s inscription, revealing that it was likely cut before the vessel was fired, rather than afterward as previously believed. This finding is supported by the quality of the lettering and the absence of ragged edges, suggesting a skilled artisan was involved in its creation.

The Colchester Vase was ultimately used as a cremation urn, containing the remains of a non-local male over 40 years old. While it is unlikely that he was one of the performers, his connection to the event adds another layer of significance to the artifact.

The Colchester Vase contributes to a growing body of evidence that highlights the existence of Roman spectacles in the city. Among these findings are fragments of wall paintings featuring gladiators, molds for creating relief figures, and a knife with a handle designed in the likeness of a murmillo, another class of gladiator.

While no amphitheater has yet been discovered in Colchester, the existence of a Roman circus—the only one documented in Britannia—bolsters the idea that the city served as a hub for public entertainment, where chariot races and gladiatorial contests were integral to the local culture.

The Colchester Vase inscription. Detail of the word VALENTINV. Credit: D. Atfield / Colchester Museums
The Colchester Vase inscription. Detail of the word VALENTINV. Credit: D. Atfield / Colchester Museums

Furthermore, the commercial and military ties between Colchester and the Lower Rhine region likely played a crucial role in the movement of gladiators and animals for these events. Epigraphic evidence from the Germanic territories indicates the capture of bears for venationes, or wild animal combats, which may provide context for the hunting scene illustrated on the Colchester Vase.

The Colchester Vase was discovered in 1853 during excavations in the western cemetery area of Colchester, England. It was found as part of a burial group consisting of four vessels. The vase’s intricate decorations and inscriptions quickly attracted attention, leading to its recognition as a significant artifact that provides valuable insights into the cultural practices of Roman Britain, particularly regarding gladiatorial games and public entertainment.

This discovery is part of Colchester Museums’ ongoing “Decoding the Dead” project, which aims to explore the cultural and social dynamics of gladiatorial games in the north-west provinces of the Roman Empire.

Davis, G. J. C., Pearce, J., Carroll, E., Moore, J., Nowell, G., & Montgomery, J. (2024). Gladiators at Roman Colchester: Re-Interpreting the Colchester Vase. Britannia55, 3–24. doi:10.1017/S0068113X24000187

Cover Image Credit: The Colchester Vase burial group, including mortarium lid, dish and flagon. Credit: D. Atfield / Colchester Museums

Related Articles

Archaeologists unearth hidden tunnels under the 3,000-year-old temple complex

6 June 2022

6 June 2022

Archaeologists have discovered a system of hidden tunnels beneath the 3,000-year-old Chavín de Huántar temple complex in the Ancash Region...

2,300-year-old Punic tomb complex found during works on car park for staff

26 October 2024

26 October 2024

A 2,300-year-old Punic tomb was discovered during work in a car park near Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, Malta. The...

An 8,200-year-old temple structure found in Çatalhöyük

6 September 2022

6 September 2022

An 8,200-year-old temple structure was found during the 30th excavation season of the excavations at Çatalhöyük, one of the first...

Scientists discover 4 new Nazca Geoglyphs using AI deep learning

4 June 2023

4 June 2023

Scientists from Japan used AI deep learning to discover new geoglyphs in the Arid Peruvian coastal plain, in the northern...

1500-year-old Stunning Pendant Amulet Depicting the Prophet Solomon Spearing the Devil on Horseback Found in Türkiye

15 November 2024

15 November 2024

During the excavations in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Eskipazar district of Karabük, Türkiye, an amulet from the 5th...

Angkor Wat Reopens

26 April 2021

26 April 2021

After being temporarily closed on April 7 to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to locals, Apsara National Authority and Angkor...

2500 Years of Animal Love in Termessos Ancient City

8 February 2021

8 February 2021

We are witnessing more and more of the unscrupulousness, cruelty and torture inflicted on our animal friends every day.These news...

21 Copperplate Inscriptions discovered at Ghanta Matham in India

14 June 2021

14 June 2021

During excavations at Ghanta Matham in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh,  important 21 copper plates for the Mallikarjuna Swami...

Archaeologists Uncover Unique 6th Century Mosaic in Abandoned Byzantine Monastery

9 April 2025

9 April 2025

A recent excavation report from the Israel Antiquities Authority has revealed the discovery of a well-preserved Byzantine-period monastery and farmhouse...

The marble head of God Apollo unearthed in an excavation at Philippi, Greece

29 March 2024

29 March 2024

The excavation, carried out by a group of students of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the archaeological site of...

Egypt discovers five 4,000-year-old ancient tombs in Saqqara necropolis

19 March 2022

19 March 2022

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced recently the discovery of five 4,000-year-old ancient tombs in the Saqqara archaeological...

Archaeologists have discovered a treasure trove of sixth-century coins in ancient Phanagoria in Russia

27 July 2021

27 July 2021

Archaeologists have discovered 80 coins known as Copper staters dating back to the sixth century at Phanagoria on the Black...

Unique Iron Age Divination Spoon Found on the Isle of Man

21 February 2025

21 February 2025

A unique bronze spoon, dating back 2,000 years and believed to have played a role in divination rituals, has been...

Folded Gold Diadem discovered in Ancient Burial Urn in Southern India

12 August 2022

12 August 2022

A gold diadem, bronze, iron objects, and pottery were reportedly found in a burial urn at the archaeological site of...

Scientists Find Aztec ‘Death Whistles’ do Weird Things to the Listeners’ Brains

18 November 2024

18 November 2024

New research reveals that one of the Aztecs’ most chilling artefacts, clay death whistles, which resemble a human skull and...