“Uncovering Secrets: The Colchester Vase’s Mysterious Connection to Blood-Soaked Gladiator Legends”
“The text was part of the vessel’s conceptualization from the start and relates directly to the scene portrayed, relieving doubts that it might be a later addition to a generic arena representation,” the study’s authors wrote.
Meanwhile, isotopic analysis of the cremated remains found that they belonged to a 40-year-old man of non-British origin. Pieces of hip bone revealed that he struggled with osteoarthritis and various hip injuries, likely a result of intense and prolonged physical activity. While researchers do not believe he was a gladiator, it is possible that he was a trainer or game organizer who commissioned the vase to celebrate his career and accomplishments.
Other archaeological evidence uncovered nearby, such as remnants of a circus, point to Colchester as a center for entertainment, including both gladiator battles and chariot races, during the days of the Roman Empire. Colchester has long been considered the oldest Roman city in Britain and was home to a large colony of Roman soldiers as far back as 40 C.E. And the newly-uncovered revelations about the Colchester Vase certainly illustrate that the nuances of the area’s ancient past are still coming to light today.
After reading about the Colchester Vase, dive into 11 of the most famous Roman gladiators. Then, read the true story of how the Roman Empire collapsed.
