Mark Taylor and David Hill: Medium Square Bottle

Approx. 6 1/2"H. x 2 1/2"W.

The mould-blown prismatic bottle represents Roman container ware, used for the transportation and storage of household goods (liquids such as wine, vinegar, fish sauce, oils, etc.).

A very common shape found all over the Empire from the 1st to the 3rd centuries AD, they are found in large numbers on settlement and cemetery sites throughout the Roman world.

The bases of these bottles are usually decorated with patterns in relief. There are many variations, the exact significance of which is still not fully understood.

They may be makers' marks, owners' marks, or relate to the original contents of the bottle.