Mildenhall Treasure, England

 

Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on the Mildenhall Treasure from the Roman era.

Mildenhall is about 80 miles north of London, in East Anglia.

Information on the Mildenhall Treasure 

The Mildenhall Treasure is a large hoard of 34 masterpieces of Roman tableware silver from the fourth century AD. The objects are the most valuable from Roman Britain both artistically and by weight. The hoard was found at West Row near Mildenhall, Suffolk in 1942. There are over thirty items including the Great Dish. Total weight is over 8kg (18 lb). 

The treasure comprises tableware of a style current in the 4th century AD and was probably concealed at some time in that century at the time Roman rule was coming to an end.

Most of the objects are comparatively large and all are of very high workmanship. Here is the inventory:

  • Two large serving platters.
  • Two small decorated serving plates.
  • One deep fluted bowl. 
  • four large decorated bowls.
  • Two small decorated bowls.
  • Two small pedestalled dishes.
  • One deep flanged bowl with a deep, domed cover,
  • Five small round ladles with dolphin-shaped handles.
  • Eight long-handled spoons. 

Video clip of Treasure excluding Great Dish

 

The Great Dish measures 605,, (23.82 in) in diameter and weighs 8.256 kg (18.20 lb). This is the pièce de résistance of the set.The decoration  is comprised of three concentric zones with a marine diety at the centre, probably Oceanus.This portrait is surrounded by an inner frieze populated by sea-nymphs. the outermost zone carries imagery of dancing, music making and drinking revels of the god Bacchus. The entire design is traditionally pagan and superbly executed.

Video clip of Great Dish


Overall, the Mildenhall treasure contains pieces that belong to the first rank of Roman art and craftsmanship on an international scale of excellence. 

The collection is on display at the British Museum in London with replicas on show at the local museum at Mildenhall. 



 

 

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