1,900-Year-Old Roman Bowl Found in Spain Depicts Hadrian's Wall

A 1,900-year-old enameled bronze bowl, the Berlanga Cup, discovered on a farm in Berlanga de Duero, Spain, 1,200 miles from Hadrian's Wall, may have commemorated a Roman soldier's service. Published in Britannia, the study dates the cup to 124–150 C.E. and, via lead isotope analysis, confirms it was made in northern Britain. The cup names four forts on the wall's eastern side—Cilurnum, Onno, Vindobala, Condercom—unlike earlier finds that only referenced western forts. It is the second such trulla found in Iberia. Researchers suggest the inscription was added after production, possibly as a customized retirement gift. The cup measures 4.5 by 3.1 inches and features bright enamel colors. Archaeologist Rob Collins of Newcastle University notes this find suggests souvenir cups were made for the entire wall, not just the western sector. The study was led by Jesús García Sánchez of the Archaeological Institute of Mérida.