Roman Toddler's Grave Reveals Ancient Sippy Cup and Rooster Figurine in England
In Cirencester, England, a grave dating back 2,000 years belonging to a Roman toddler, approximately two or three years old, was unearthed. This burial site, located outside the city walls, was excavated in 2011 by Cotswold Archaeology and contained a tettina, an ancient feeding bottle, along with a copper rooster figurine adorned with enamel. This month, the reconstructed tettina was showcased at the Corinium Museum. Emma Stuart, the museum director, suggested it was likely intended to assist the child's spirit on its journey. Jess Yarrow from the Cirencester History Festival described the event as 'genuinely special.' Cirencester, founded in the first century following Emperor Claudius's 43 C.E. invasion, was the second-largest settlement in Britannia. The rooster represented Mercury, who guided spirits to the underworld.
Key facts
- A Roman toddler's grave from the second century C.E. was found in Cirencester, England, containing a tettina and a rooster figurine.
- The grave was excavated in 2011 by Cotswold Archaeology from a cemetery with 118 inhumations and eight cremation burials.
- The tettina, a ceramic feeding bottle, was recently reconstructed and displayed at the Corinium Museum this month.
- The rooster figurine, made of enameled copper, was restored and displayed soon after discovery.
- Cirencester was the Roman city of Corinium, established in the first century after Claudius invaded Britain in 43 C.E.
- About 120 tettinae have been unearthed in Britain, some at military sites suggesting use for nursing injured soldiers.
- The Friends of Corinium Museum funded the conservation of the tettina.
- Archaeologist Neil Holbrook stated the burial indicates a wealthy, important family and parental love.
Entities
Artists
- Emma Stuart
- Jess Yarrow
- James Harris
- Neil Holbrook
- Claudius
- Mercury
- Sonja Anderson
Institutions
- Cotswold Archaeology
- Corinium Museum
- Cirencester History Festival
- Friends of Corinium Museum
- BBC
- Smithsonian magazine
Locations
- Cirencester
- England
- United Kingdom
- Corinium
- Britannia
- Londinium
- London