Shocking find: Roman goblet filled with pig fat found in Anglo-Saxon burial
- Archaeologists found a Roman goblet filled with pig fat in the grave of a sixth-century Anglo-Saxon girl in Scremby, Lincolnshire.
- The goblet dates back to the third century and features intricate decorative motifs, suggesting it may have been imported from France.
- The discovery raises questions about its purpose and significance, possibly indicating connections between Roman and Anglo-Saxon cultural practices.
In the village of Scremby, Lincolnshire, England, an archaeological excavation led to the surprising discovery of a unique burial dating back to the sixth century. The grave contained the remains of an Anglo-Saxon adolescent female along with various artifacts, the most intriguing being an enamel Roman goblet that likely dates to the third century A.D. This goblet was found in remarkably well-preserved condition, suggesting that it held some considerable significance rather than simply being a random find. The goblet, measuring 2.2 inches tall and capable of holding about 1.2 cups of liquid, was positioned at the head of the burial site. It features decorative motifs of half moons and heart shapes, crafted from a copper-alloy surface adorned with colorful enameling. The aesthetics of the cup indicate that it may have been imported from France during the period of Roman influence in Britain, making it a notable artifact within the Anglo-Saxon context. Further analysis revealed a high concentration of lipids at the bottom of the cup, indicating that it once contained pig fat. While some researchers propose that this fat might have functioned as a food product, others suggest it could have served a cosmetic or medicinal purpose, as animal fats were often used in Roman medicine. Historical references suggest the use of bacon fat for treating intestinal ailments, implying a role in folk medicine for the woman laid to rest with the cup. The circumstances of how this goblet came to be in the grave remain unclear. Whether it was passed down as a treasured heirloom or scavenged from another grave, its presence indicates a significant cultural or social relevance to the Anglo-Saxon community. The findings encourage deeper reflection on the interactions between the Roman and Anglo-Saxon cultures, particularly how artifacts such as the Scremby Cup were incorporated into funerary practices and their implications for understanding the social roles of women in this period.