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  • A fragmented feeding bottle known as a tettina has been reconstructed after years in storage, allowing it to be displayed alongside a rooster figurine found in the same grave.
  • The artifacts suggest the child belonged to a wealthy family and were included to guide and sustain the spirit during its journey to the underworld.
  • Chemical analysis of similar vessels indicates they were used for weaning infants or nursing injured soldiers, highlighting their practical utility beyond ritual contexts.

A ceramic feeding vessel discovered nearly two millennia ago in southwest England has been successfully reconstructed, offering a tangible connection to the grief and spiritual beliefs of a Roman family. The artifact, known as a tettina, was unearthed in 2011 during an excavation of a major cemetery near the modern town of Cirencester. For years, the object remained in storage as broken fragments while its companion item, an enameled copper rooster figurine, was restored and exhibited. This month, the Corinium Museum unveiled the reunited pair, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into how ancient parents cared for their children both in life and in death.

The grave dates to the second century C.E. and contained the remains of a toddler estimated to be two or three years old. The burial site was located just outside the walls of a cemetery that held 118 inhumations and eight cremation burials. Emma Stuart, director of the Corinium Museum, noted that infant mortality rates during the Roman period were significantly higher than they are today. The inclusion of specific grave goods suggests that the mourners sought to provide for the child’s spirit as it transitioned to the afterlife, reflecting a deep concern for the deceased’s well-being beyond the physical realm.

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The tettina functions similarly to a modern sippy cup or feeding bottle. It is a round ceramic vessel featuring a small opening on top and a drinking spout on the side. James Harris, collections engagement officer at the museum, explained that the name derives from the Italian word for teat. Approximately 120 of these artifacts have been discovered in Britain. Their presence at various sites indicates diverse uses; some were found at military locations, suggesting they may have served to nurse injured soldiers. In other instances, chemical traces of animal milk have been identified, implying that mothers used them to wean children from breastmilk or as a substitute entirely.

Ancient medical texts indicate that Romans generally encouraged exclusive breastfeeding until infants began teething. The discovery of the tettina in this specific grave aligns with practices surrounding weaning or alternative feeding methods. The recent conservation effort was made possible by funds raised by the Friends of Corinium Museum. Before this restoration, the vessel had sat in pieces for over a decade. Its debut alongside the rooster figurine marks a significant moment for the museum, allowing curators to present a more complete narrative of the burial than was previously possible.

The choice of grave goods points toward the high social standing of the child’s family. Neil Holbrook, an archaeologist who commented on the find in 2013, emphasized that placing such items with a young child was not done lightly. He suggested that the artifacts signify the wealth and importance of the family, as well as the profound love parents held for their lost child. The cost and effort required to acquire or create these specific objects would have been considerable, indicating that this was not a standard burial but one marked by significant resources and emotional investment.

Beyond practical sustenance, the items carried symbolic weight related to Roman mythology. The rooster figurine is associated with Mercury, the messenger god who was also believed to shepherd souls to the underworld. Stuart explained that parents may have placed the cockerel in the grave to ensure the child’s spirit did not get lost on its journey. The bird’s crowing was thought to guide the way, providing protection and direction for the deceased. This symbolism adds a layer of spiritual care to the physical provision offered by the feeding bottle.

Cirencester, formerly known as Corinium, was established in the first century shortly after Emperor Claudius invaded Britain in 43 C.E. It grew to become the second-largest town in the Roman province of Britannia, spanning 240 acres and enclosed by a two-mile-long wall. Only Londinium, modern-day London, surpassed it in size during that period. The prominence of the city underscores the significance of the cemetery excavations conducted by Cotswold Archaeology. The site has yielded numerous insights into daily life, trade, and burial customs in Roman Britain.

Jess Yarrow, director of the Cirencester History Festival, described the reunion of the artifacts as poignant and special. She noted that seeing the conserved cup alongside the rooster connects modern observers directly with the people who inhabited these streets two thousand years ago. The display serves not only as an archaeological record but also as a humanizing element of history. It illustrates universal themes of parental love, loss, and the desire to protect loved ones even after death.

The restoration process highlights the ongoing work required to preserve fragile historical materials. Many artifacts remain in storage due to limited resources for conservation. The successful reconstruction of the tettina demonstrates how community support can enable museums to recover lost narratives. As more items are conserved, historians gain a clearer picture of social structures and personal experiences in ancient societies. This particular find bridges the gap between statistical data on infant mortality and the individual stories behind those numbers.

Future research may continue to analyze chemical residues from other tettinae found across Britain. Such studies could reveal more about dietary habits, medical practices, and the spread of technology during the Roman occupation. The current display in Cirencester offers a starting point for understanding how material culture reflected spiritual beliefs. By examining these objects together, experts can better interpret the complex relationship between practical needs and ritualistic obligations in ancient burials.

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  • Smithsonian Magazine↗Mourners Placed an Ancient Sippy Cup in a Roman Toddler's Grave. It May Have Been Meant to Sustain the Child on the Journey to the Afterlife