Archaeologists discover ancient trepanned vases from Ancient Rome: what they were used for

Some ancient trepanned vases from Ancient Rome make archaeologists question themselves. What were they for?

We know that the world of archeology is constantly moving. Every day new discoveries that sometimes put unexpected pieces to ancient questions, other times open up new questions, which experts can’t wait to resolve. One of the most studied civilizations is obviously that of ancient Rome.

Ancient trepanned vases from Ancient Rome

What we know about the Roman Empire is that it went far beyond the borders of our country, conquering and influencing territories that still continue to discover signs of their passage today. In architecture, urban planning and much more, signs of their passage are clearly visible.

Not to mention the craftsmanship. For example, in recent weeks there has been a lot of talk about Roman vases. Furnishings of great beauty and interest, used for different purposes. Sometimes they are confused with those of Greek origin, yet even today, by observing them carefully it is possible to identify the differences.

This time news about these ancient artifacts comes from England. Precisely in the context of some preventive excavations. These are operations that are carried out on territories that have been reported as being of possible archaeological interest, before proceeding with excavations and demolitions, to do something else.

This time it’s some roadwork in a project called A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet, that is, improvement works on the paths leading to Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Well, during these operations, fragments of ancient trepanned vases from Ancient Rome were recovered. All curiously bearing holes of the same size.

The art of Roman ceramics

It is not the first time that finds of this type have been recovered in these conditions. According to archaeologists, in fact, these are holes not due to time or damage. Probably made with a small tool, perhaps a rudimentary drill.

In recent weeks they have recovered several of them, all along the route where the expansions of these roads will be built. However, they still cannot explain these holes. What is certain, they say, is that the Romans used them for different purposes. Perhaps the holes could have been used for the preservation of particular foods, perhaps a tradition imported from different civilizations, such as the Sumerian one.

For others there could be a religious motivation, perhaps they were vases used for funeral purposes and the holes could have been used to let the spirits escape. In truth, a rather labile hypothesis and destined to be discarded. What is certain is that these holes were made when the vase was already fired, evident by some small cracks on the surface. A new chapter of questions therefore opens concerns Ancient Rome.

We were saying that ancient Roman vases differ greatly from Greek ones, both in shape and size. There are different types. Some are called Olle, others Clibani, then there are simple ones Jugs, Censers and Amphorae. Who knows, in the coming weeks we will find out more about these recovered shards and their true identity.