The hoard went on display on November 2. © PAS and Salisbury Museum

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum has acquired a hoard that recalls the bacchanalian antics of Britain’s occupiers from the early centuries AD. The five-piece hoard consists of Roman vessels used in the serving and drinking of wine, which are the first items of their kind to be added to the museum collection.

The set includes three saucepan-like ‘trullei’ and two bowls that were probably used to strain sediment out. Made from copper alloy, they were found in Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire.

“They were found in February 2005 by a metal detectorist,” explained Jane Ellis-Schön, Curator of Archaeology at the museum. “He found one and thought there may be more, so working with the Wiltshire Finds Liaison Officer, Wessex Archaeology got involved and carried out a mini-excavation, which turned up the other vessels and some bits of pottery and animal bone.”

The maker's mark. © PAS and Salisbury Museum

Such vessels are fairly uncommon finds in the area – perhaps the Wiltshire-dwelling Roman wasn’t much of a wine drinker. However, two other strainer-bowls have been found in the north of the county, at Westbury and Marlborough.

“They are unusual finds,” said Jane, “especially the one with the maker’s mark – Publius Cipius Polibius. It’s very unusual to find work from his workshop so far north in the Roman Empire. It’s come a fair distance!”

Publius Cipius Polibius was a well-known trullei producer near Pompeii at the end of the 1st century AD. The trulleus now at Salisbury Museum is thought to be the first example by Polibius found in Wiltshire, and are rare outside the northern frontier region.

“We haven’t got any other vessels, so to have a hoard… It’s a great addition to the collection, which is designated.” said Jane.

The finds in situ. © PAS and Salisbury Museum

The vessels will go on show from November to the end of 2007, after which the museum will seek funding for conservation work on the Roman finds.

“They all need cleaning and the straining bowls in particular need some repairs – they’re very fragile, being made of thin metal. The feet and spouts have come off,” added Jane.

“It would be fantastic to raise the funds to get that done.”

They were purchased for £3,000 with support from the MLA / V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Art Fund.