Roman Drinking Vessels

1. A drinking vessel from northern Italy

This area was once home to Celtic people. When the Romans arrived, potters began to mix Roman and Celtic ideas. This cup was made by a Roman potter but its shape follows Celtic drinking habits and aesthetics. 

2. A black-glazed wine cup from Naples

This cup follows a Greek tradition of drinking wine from large, shallow cups. 

It was made in southern Italy during Roman times. The cup shows how the Romans adopted Greek drinking practices and ideas.

3. A black Megarian bowl from Asia Minor

This bowl is made of clay, but it was designed to look like an expensive silver bowl owned by wealthy people. First made in Greece and Asia Minor, these bowls became popular across the Mediterranean in the 1st century BC. Objects such as this can tell us about social differences, choices and values in Roman society.

4. Roman terra sigillata cup from Gaul

This type of vessel originated in Italy but soon spread across the Mediterranean and Europe. 

By analysing the colour of the clay, distinctive decoration or potter’s stamps, archaeologists can identify where and when a vessel was made and trace how these tablewares were produced and widely distributed throughout the Roman Empire.

5. Roman face pot from Italy

These pots were made with human faces moulded onto the surface. They may have been used for drinking, storage or special occasions. Face pots can tell us about identity, beliefs and humour in Roman society, and show how objects could carry meaning, not just be useful.

6. Beaker with a tall neck from Germany

Beakers like this were commonly used in areas near the Rhine and Moselle rivers in the late Roman period (around the 3rd and 4th centuries AD). Over time, different Roman provinces developed their own styles and tastes. This beaker shows how local potters created regional traditions that existed alongside empire-wide products such as terra sigillata.

7. A silver drinking cup from Italy

It shows the Emperor Tiberius celebrating a victory.

Cups like this were very precious because they were made of silver. Adding the image of the emperor made them even more special and showed loyalty, power and high status at Roman banquets.

8. A glass drinking cup from Italy

This blue glass cup was used by wealthy Romans at dinner parties around AD 40–80. Glass vessels like this were expensive and showed status. Glass is good for drinking because it does not absorb flavours, is easy to clean, and lets people see the drink inside.