Water Newton Treasure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Water Newton Treasure: Silver jug |
|
|---|---|
Silver jug from the treasure (handle missing)
|
|
| Material | Silver |
| Size | height:203 millimetres (8.0 in) width:116 millimetres (4.6 in) |
| Created | Romano-British period |
| Discovered | February 1975 |
| Present location | British Museum |
| Identification | 1975,1002.1 |
The Water Newton Treasure is a special collection of silver items. It was found in 1975 near the Roman town of Durobrivae in Cambridgeshire, England. This amazing find includes 27 silver pieces and one small gold plaque.
Experts believe these items might have been used in a local church. This makes them the oldest group of Christian silver found from the Roman Empire. The treasure helps us understand early Christian worship in Roman Britain.
The treasure was discovered by accident in February 1975 while someone was ploughing a field. Some items were damaged by the plough. It was likely hidden by someone living in the nearby Roman town of Durobrivae.
The collection includes nine silver vessels. The other items are small tokens, like little plaques. Many of these tokens have the Chi-Rho cross symbol on them. This symbol was used by early Christians. The larger items include jugs, bowls, dishes, and a strainer. There is also a two-handled cup, called a cantharus. This type of cup was later used as a chalice in churches.
Because this discovery is so important, the treasure is now kept at the British Museum in London.
Contents
What is the Water Newton Treasure?
The Water Newton Treasure is a group of valuable silver objects. They were hidden long ago, around 1,600 years ago. This was during the time when the Romans lived in Britain. The collection shows how early Christians practiced their faith.
When and Where Was the Treasure Found?
The treasure was found in February 1975. It was discovered near a place called Water Newton in Cambridgeshire, England. This area was once home to a Roman town named Durobrivae. The items were likely buried by someone from that town.
Why is This Treasure Important?
This treasure is very important because of the symbols on some of the pieces. These symbols suggest the items were used in a Christian church. This makes them the earliest known Christian silver objects found from the Roman Empire. They give us a rare look into early Christian life in Britain.
Main Items in the Treasure
The Water Newton Treasure has many interesting pieces. Some of the most important items include a decorated silver jug, a unique hanging bowl, and an inscribed silver bowl. There are also many small silver plaques.
The Decorated Silver Jug
One of the most beautiful items is a decorated silver jug. It is about 20.3 centimeters (8 inches) tall. The jug has detailed designs of leaves and scrolls. It is the most decorated piece in the collection. The jug's handle is now separate, but a piece of it was found with the treasure.
The Hanging Bowl
Another special item is the lower part of a hanging bowl. This bowl was likely used as a lamp. It has decorations that stand out from the surface. These designs were made by pushing the silver from the outside. Other parts of the bowl, like rings for hanging, were also found. The bowl is now displayed with a clear support. This shows how large it originally was. Similar bowls have been found in France and Ireland.
The Inscribed Silver Bowl
There is also an inscribed silver bowl. It is about 11.5 centimeters (4.5 inches) tall. This bowl has special writing on it. Underneath, it says "PUBLIANUS." Around the rim, there is a line of Latin writing. It says, "O Lord, I Publianus, relying on you, honour your holy altar." This writing shows that the bowl was a gift to a church. It might even be the oldest known chalice used for Christian worship. Its design is similar to a chalice shown in old mosaics in Italy.
Small Votive Plaques
Most of the items found are small plaques. These were probably attached to the walls of a church. They were like special gifts or promises. Some have holes for nails, like the only gold plaque in the treasure. One plaque has an inscription that says, "Anicilla has fulfilled the vow which she promised." These plaques often have the Chi-Rho symbol. This shows that Christians adopted this way of giving offerings.
Images for kids
-
The hanging bowl on display
-
Votive plaque, the only gold item
BM ref:1975,1002.11 -
Votive silver plaque, typical of many in the treasure
BM ref:1975,1002.14 -
Silver cantharus, height 12.5 cm, weight 316 g.
BM ref:1975,1002.6 -
Inscribed silver cup
