tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37048127185152503662024-03-05T17:17:12.153+00:00Beyond the BathsThe Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-81974876897145621632023-11-15T10:00:00.001+00:002023-11-15T10:00:00.138+00:00Function or fashion? The practical and stylish accessories <p>Your impression of accessories may be
beautiful and decorative, but have you ever thought about how they add beauty
and style to our lives and serve a functional purpose at the same time? The
Roman Bath houses a stunning collection of accessories spanning various
historical periods. Reflecting on history, it becomes clear that accessories
have long been a fusion of functionality and aesthetics.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Functional yet fashionable</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">In the Roman period, people already focused
on developing aesthetically pleasing and useful ornaments. Brooches were
particularly popular, and people used them to fasten their clothing. These
brooches came in various types, including the penannular brooch with an open
frame, the plate brooch prevalent during the first century, and the bow brooch
commonly found in Roman archaeological sites. Don’t think these two thousand
years ago ornaments are just simple copper alloys. On the contrary, they are
often very exquisite, with changeable shapes and colourful enamel surfaces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ggfLnZ10LLqnSj8Pm6DAdSQAnLTWBIkn7J8qksMOa-RWnKV0rV3Bsokdb-7ZyIV5n5h9v1_2_PsxOy-MTBy1RxgitkbCjDVch8K3MJSj3kuD1gkbWUdJAxhpnzCaQ3pRd7ecAsT8aZUtDoDRzRIEf9YLkeuAOsFNgWVRT_Yb2iRkaysGY8M9MiNyXL-T/s1213/Yushin%20001%20-%2001,%2002,%2003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="1213" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ggfLnZ10LLqnSj8Pm6DAdSQAnLTWBIkn7J8qksMOa-RWnKV0rV3Bsokdb-7ZyIV5n5h9v1_2_PsxOy-MTBy1RxgitkbCjDVch8K3MJSj3kuD1gkbWUdJAxhpnzCaQ3pRd7ecAsT8aZUtDoDRzRIEf9YLkeuAOsFNgWVRT_Yb2iRkaysGY8M9MiNyXL-T/w400-h145/Yushin%20001%20-%2001,%2002,%2003.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Roman plate brooch, bow brooch, and replica of a penannular brooch</td></tr></tbody></table></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Expressions of belief</span></b></h3><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">By the medieval period, in addition to
delicate metalwork techniques like inlay, enamelling, and filigree becoming
more common, their function began to reflect individuals' spiritual convictions
or to show people's faith. For example, before the trend of wearing bells
gained widespread popularity, it was mainly priests and pilgrims who adorned them,
thereby symbolising their affiliation with the religion. Pilgrims collected
various badges in different shapes to commemorate their pilgrimage and to
express their religions. Similarly, influential figures have often awarded
badges to their allies to commend their loyalty and support towards a certain
belief or ideology.</span><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxskEX0bK0LhztICMwGeMI5xKOeBAzIy0GEz7QrgNnmPeMNMIZ5jryJESqGyEqRX0bSFrGcCJM4Mfzt3leCZEXgjahcvfvfe7qYuuhytuRPf118UmWmI01X2BYQidHxA8ZrWth0yBiNZudLLiSo5YAg4R-32drUx7pG5JgFoyir_jKPuT4Ep6uw7Nt0JyH/s1259/Yushin%20001%20-%2004,%2005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1259" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxskEX0bK0LhztICMwGeMI5xKOeBAzIy0GEz7QrgNnmPeMNMIZ5jryJESqGyEqRX0bSFrGcCJM4Mfzt3leCZEXgjahcvfvfe7qYuuhytuRPf118UmWmI01X2BYQidHxA8ZrWth0yBiNZudLLiSo5YAg4R-32drUx7pG5JgFoyir_jKPuT4Ep6uw7Nt0JyH/w400-h169/Yushin%20001%20-%2004,%2005.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Medieval dog badge and bell</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Symbols of taste</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After the 16th century, with the
development of craftsmanship, the styles of functional ornaments became more varied
and popular. For instance, in the Georgian period, wigs changed from functional
preventing head lice to a symbol of style. Following the Industrial Revolution,
the advent of mass production brought about an increase in diverse and
accessible ornaments, which were no longer considered a luxury reserved for the
upper class alone. Buttons, once the exclusive of the nobility during the
medieval era, became a commodity that could be easily moulded and
mass-produced. With the rise of the bourgeoisie, the popularity of shirts gave
way to the fashion of cufflinks. Though seemingly unremarkable at first glance,
these functional items embody a sense of style, and the variety of their forms
and materials showcase the wearer's discerning taste.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK6WrNnPd63NsP7kQSzdSGnxkrMg016E-Sla975c5EY3MRCjYqCybWqcKQ9KkAoLhqDMxJZDD7XPsUH_Hbk_2meAGp2QQCg6xCNyXQZArEhfDPNYPg-Z2sZSSmP-IKtVKk7eIme3z2uc_jG_-u09eZHMbThSxvmXO6nsVUpxhFdbtSVduuBd3e5CmssFP/s925/Yushin%20001%20-%2006,%2007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="925" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK6WrNnPd63NsP7kQSzdSGnxkrMg016E-Sla975c5EY3MRCjYqCybWqcKQ9KkAoLhqDMxJZDD7XPsUH_Hbk_2meAGp2QQCg6xCNyXQZArEhfDPNYPg-Z2sZSSmP-IKtVKk7eIme3z2uc_jG_-u09eZHMbThSxvmXO6nsVUpxhFdbtSVduuBd3e5CmssFP/w400-h140/Yushin%20001%20-%2006,%2007.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Georgian wig curler, moulded metallic button, and cuff links</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Upon observing today's clothing, can you
think of other decorative features that are functional but also fashionable?
Maybe it is your stylish watch, glasses or even a zipper? Let us take a closer look
at our clothing and appreciate the practical and astonishing accessories that
have been thoughtfully designed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Yushin</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Placement student</b></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-86451466189278538652023-11-01T10:00:00.001+00:002023-11-01T10:00:00.142+00:00Secrets of Roman Building Materials<p>Have you ever wondered, in a world dominated by concrete and synthetic materials, what the Romans used over two thousand years ago to produce enduring buildings, all without the aid of modern technology? </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Crafting from Nature</b> </h4>Roman Britain had a variety of small workshops in every town, with the majority of the goods being produced there to satisfy regional demands. The Romans used natural resources and transformed them into purpose-fit building materials. From the rock and clay in the ground, timbers in the forest, to sand on the seashore, they selected materials wisely. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Experienced craftsmen then made the raw materials into durable building components. For instance, tufa, which is a porous sedimentary rock created in mineral springs. Its sponge-like texture, which was both light and robust, made it an ideal material for creating vaulting structures. Due to the tufa's special characteristics, craftsmen used it to create wedge-shaped voussoirs that, when placed next to each other, supported beautiful vaults or arches.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iDPsbg4wpITDxyH3jJ9ghc3_zhGEfOI-CgBsNPE0Un2N6tmwLvQG-byJsAUV5RmJfpZveVk8CVUfk6Zq6F2gNCd4EbmrJLd3eh5bMVfjTBXPOzvuOFAyE35dzG-IZlhbIsegx9o9OrxoBmAxmBMlByijA_OJiO_lfpIq-dOTnVeHUT0NhJVxG6E3rVs3/s3529/Sherry%20001%20-%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2618" data-original-width="3529" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iDPsbg4wpITDxyH3jJ9ghc3_zhGEfOI-CgBsNPE0Un2N6tmwLvQG-byJsAUV5RmJfpZveVk8CVUfk6Zq6F2gNCd4EbmrJLd3eh5bMVfjTBXPOzvuOFAyE35dzG-IZlhbIsegx9o9OrxoBmAxmBMlByijA_OJiO_lfpIq-dOTnVeHUT0NhJVxG6E3rVs3/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tufa </span><span style="text-align: left;">from the Great Bath, Roman Baths </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Functional and Aesthetic </h4><p style="text-align: left;">The Romans were more than just engineers; they were artists who celebrated both beauty and function. The colorful and well-designed mosaics that adorned their rooms were a clear sign of this mix. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Mosaics have a long and interesting past. They started in Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium BC and spread to places like Ancient Greece and Rome before being used all over the world. In the Roman Baths, mosaic art is a burst of color. The secret? The tesserae made from different stones including hematite, pyrite, yellow iron oxide, and local Bath Stone. Bath Stone, which is also called freestone, got its name because it is soft and easy to cut in any direction. Since Roman and Medieval times, it's been a go-to for building across southern England. From churches to homes, its honey-colored beauty remains. Even today, Bath's Georgian buildings shine, thanks to this ancient material. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70x9ZAfIElJOEHSUsKFWyaYCuW4T9P6HBnURejCPY1D6lIMjHnQ_IYMilIopWPDGxSoMTyNnWZvuuVhHE1wy-eLFYS2n4EvrcJO4HxHlMNT2Z_oZo3JusBZi_9ty-x3Yas_5OXuAG9ptrU1kfMfQD7wPg4Sfilrr6b9S_uZfgPgYH4nJrlOuOSVacQ-A3/s600/Sherry%20001%20-%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70x9ZAfIElJOEHSUsKFWyaYCuW4T9P6HBnURejCPY1D6lIMjHnQ_IYMilIopWPDGxSoMTyNnWZvuuVhHE1wy-eLFYS2n4EvrcJO4HxHlMNT2Z_oZo3JusBZi_9ty-x3Yas_5OXuAG9ptrU1kfMfQD7wPg4Sfilrr6b9S_uZfgPgYH4nJrlOuOSVacQ-A3/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Bath Stone (photo credit: The Open University Geological Society) </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ocd4XfxQGUbng89Qea1a_Wco6QtJ7E-v9MNWmOJkhKdDFOCt_AwGT-5FP-odd6jkL8-6l4T7ZzRMlHu_IYkSlN4qtcpKfovazwnAVyyuDTYdTn6CoX7yv39CfcLLE92tyalEh0dPKoqewwAL1QBCDTPHY1STNSDa_BeUjoZyMAO4cR971iJjKE0YKg3e/s2993/Sherry%20001%20-%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="2993" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ocd4XfxQGUbng89Qea1a_Wco6QtJ7E-v9MNWmOJkhKdDFOCt_AwGT-5FP-odd6jkL8-6l4T7ZzRMlHu_IYkSlN4qtcpKfovazwnAVyyuDTYdTn6CoX7yv39CfcLLE92tyalEh0dPKoqewwAL1QBCDTPHY1STNSDa_BeUjoZyMAO4cR971iJjKE0YKg3e/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sea Horse Mosaic, Roman Baths </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Materials from Far and Wide </h4><p style="text-align: left;"> As the Roman Empire expanded, a wide variety of building materials flowed in from diverse lands, bringing abundant supplies. A good example is the Roman Baths, which made use of both native materials and imported ones. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Due to a scarcity of natural marble in England, this expensive stone was imported from Spain or Southern Italy, giving luxury to the construction. Purbeck marble stepped in as a low-cost replacement. It has a polished shine while not being real marble. This fossiliferous limestone from Dorset, England, sometime contains fossils of ancient freshwater organisms.
This is a Labrum fragment made of Purbeck marble found at the Roman Baths to hold water, which was used to cleanse before entering the bath or to cool down in the <i>Caldarium </i>(hot bathroom). </p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUoOaDlj0J7CpTigncTg9Y3t2_4GYHXLEZyX2b93dNAZ7tUQc-I9tWu24uzRKG1ocDJBdrYYLIVOvfjfZjG4mHZyIo-pAVPpU14Ua9NC3I983yNRWjKZ6HfwL12BH_7h19awVauArsyorHAwDXmB0795kM-WjbTF650PW9cDrtjB-KdXcyArL_MEslL7X/s4000/Sherry%20001%20-%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUoOaDlj0J7CpTigncTg9Y3t2_4GYHXLEZyX2b93dNAZ7tUQc-I9tWu24uzRKG1ocDJBdrYYLIVOvfjfZjG4mHZyIo-pAVPpU14Ua9NC3I983yNRWjKZ6HfwL12BH_7h19awVauArsyorHAwDXmB0795kM-WjbTF650PW9cDrtjB-KdXcyArL_MEslL7X/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Labrum </span><span style="text-align: left;">fragment made of Purbeck marble </span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;">Xingyue Yang
Placement Student</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">古罗马建筑的秘密</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">生活在一个被钢筋水泥和复合材料包围的世界,你是否想过,两千多年前,没有任何现代科技的罗马人使用什么材料去建造房屋呢?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">取自自然</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">罗马不列颠的每一个小镇都有不同的小作坊,生产不同种类的产品以满足本地需求。罗马人利用自然资源,并将其改造加工成不同部件的建筑材料。地下的岩石与粘土,森林中的树木,海边的沙子,都是他们充满智慧的选择。</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">在完成选择材料后,经验丰富的工匠将原材料加工成坚固耐用的建筑构件。比如说,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ufa</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">这是一种多孔的沉积岩,形成于矿物质泉水之中。</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ufa</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">如同海绵般的结构赋予了它兼顾轻巧和坚固的特点,使之成为修建拱顶的理想材料。由于这种特性,工匠们将</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ufa</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">制成楔状穹顶部件,当一个个部件紧密相连就构成了美观的圆形拱顶或者拱门。</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwklgyv8Sj0GObHTkRSJ3PShW8Kh0FSxLrQVup2TwbfyqpL28jGymr5cqzbsTksGqm6rczVk2Xht5aazGbDqvucJ6bMC93aqMaJlK9T4QSFIVxBHAQhpKP4erVf-YgSOf645N8dpMSIbTXwAF5Ou7pTAIBsdpPuFqI125RA_o6Oj9lxXnnDFt3AOafQrs/s3529/Sherry%20001%20-%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2618" data-original-width="3529" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwklgyv8Sj0GObHTkRSJ3PShW8Kh0FSxLrQVup2TwbfyqpL28jGymr5cqzbsTksGqm6rczVk2Xht5aazGbDqvucJ6bMC93aqMaJlK9T4QSFIVxBHAQhpKP4erVf-YgSOf645N8dpMSIbTXwAF5Ou7pTAIBsdpPuFqI125RA_o6Oj9lxXnnDFt3AOafQrs/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="ZH-CN">在罗马巴斯浴场发现的 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Tufa</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">实用与美观</span></b></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">罗马人不仅仅是建筑工程师,更是兼顾美观与实用性的艺术家。汇聚设计巧思的五颜六色的马赛克便是最好的例子,它常用于室内装饰。</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">马赛克历史悠久,起源于公元前三世纪的美索不达米亚,然后传播到古希腊和古罗马,最终全世界都能发现它们的身影。在罗马巴斯浴场,马赛克迸发出绚烂的艺术之光。五颜六色的马赛克由不同石料制成的 </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">tesserae </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">组成,包括赤铁矿、黄铁矿、黄色氧化铁和当地的</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bath Stone</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">。</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bath Stone</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,又称 </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"freestone"</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,因其质地柔软、易于从任何方向进行切割而得名。从罗马时期和中世纪起,在英格兰南部地区,</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bath Stone </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">便成为常见的建筑材料。无论是神圣的教堂,还是日常的民居,都可以找到</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bath Stone</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">的如同蜂蜜般的黄色外观。时至今日,巴斯城中的乔治亚风格建筑依然熠熠生辉,这要归功于这种历史悠久的材料。</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><br /><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PhlZEJK3zi0hUr_qfP-Ip7gudn_riuUjZd-zHr3b06GRfWoTDDPuCp6a33YZQ2WHEgevSQ3YuZGqQqtQl3AbueO0wuaN5mPcbjQU2O_Y72nvoLB-VT0oVs_qdcVfZ22VkQT43kTDR0ydigXPWxnRDsDLotnw2au94dGRDhAgm4d6Wtj4JJlLIN43plGp/s600/Sherry%20001%20-%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PhlZEJK3zi0hUr_qfP-Ip7gudn_riuUjZd-zHr3b06GRfWoTDDPuCp6a33YZQ2WHEgevSQ3YuZGqQqtQl3AbueO0wuaN5mPcbjQU2O_Y72nvoLB-VT0oVs_qdcVfZ22VkQT43kTDR0ydigXPWxnRDsDLotnw2au94dGRDhAgm4d6Wtj4JJlLIN43plGp/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Bath Stone (</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: SimSun;">图片来源</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">: The Open University Geological Society)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqBID2P7Cx-_R1JPT2Nn226IO6MjS-f5kYz6q5I5RnG4353kvMq4e2vTcawmQqO-N2qcO-ZImxrf95yvx2i9BMhesxEaKdpUoYF_4PIyWlFZfLOTBFnD4WrfZw_xAmWRGVXp-GJVehPGSbYtgMv1CzrlIpxX6Y8R8R1IuNrzUvOEMswdo4TQUcJbHS1kD/s2993/Sherry%20001%20-%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="2993" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqBID2P7Cx-_R1JPT2Nn226IO6MjS-f5kYz6q5I5RnG4353kvMq4e2vTcawmQqO-N2qcO-ZImxrf95yvx2i9BMhesxEaKdpUoYF_4PIyWlFZfLOTBFnD4WrfZw_xAmWRGVXp-GJVehPGSbYtgMv1CzrlIpxX6Y8R8R1IuNrzUvOEMswdo4TQUcJbHS1kD/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: SimSun;">罗马巴斯浴场中的海马装饰马赛克</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="ZH-CN">来源丰富的原料</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">随着罗马帝国的扩张,建筑材料的原产地更加多样,带来了丰富且充足的供给。罗马巴斯浴场就是一个好的例子,同时使用了本地和进口的材料。</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">在英格兰本土,天然大理石十分稀少,这种昂贵的石材往往从今天西班牙或者意大利南部进口,属于极其奢侈的建筑材料。</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Purbeck
marble </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">是天然大理石的平价替代品。这种石材虽然不是真正的大理石,但打磨后也有抛光的质感。这种产自英格兰 </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dorset </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">的石灰岩化石,有时含有古代淡水生物的化石。下图是在罗马巴斯浴场发现的由</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Purbeck
marble </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">制成的 </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Labrum </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">的文物遗存,用于装盛清水,在进入浴场前用来清洁,或在</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Caldarium</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(热浴室)中用来降温。</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg404zMAeRYsovi74Q7QPPZYPnvif9Qxn9-VCpEmf-_LXGxuxW_VKgVdznXrEakd466-TfIxau4jRo4axZhjZCo_QKLbhc-Rd12-BJVAlZddoghdF-yOgCv4KE53jd6sWCHWd-jQb7tPcLG32qqKnnLPW9VLdACWc_2csOnyeOiaHZRXB5NycAR9k5dHa6/s4000/Sherry%20001%20-%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg404zMAeRYsovi74Q7QPPZYPnvif9Qxn9-VCpEmf-_LXGxuxW_VKgVdznXrEakd466-TfIxau4jRo4axZhjZCo_QKLbhc-Rd12-BJVAlZddoghdF-yOgCv4KE53jd6sWCHWd-jQb7tPcLG32qqKnnLPW9VLdACWc_2csOnyeOiaHZRXB5NycAR9k5dHa6/s320/Sherry%20001%20-%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="ZH-CN">由</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> Purbeck marble </span><span lang="ZH-CN">制成的 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Labrum</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">杨星月</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">实习学生</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-86735289280727141392023-10-18T10:00:00.003+01:002023-10-18T10:00:00.140+01:00 By Jove: It’s the Roman Gods!<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How much do
you know about the Roman religion? The Romans worshipped many gods, and they
were part of their lives every single day. It seems that the Roman gods are
everywhere and on everything at times. Coins, pottery, figurines, and more
constantly depict the gods in all of their glory. However, there are more to
the gods than we realise.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-j9kmmG7FNMwAQXYvVgUtxurfhcDKsdKFDr4DrLzcH5TQ-sD4Ejr_RNd0p1-8zCSH7jUusvk5RhxLDUm8kZcUZVlwnnzSv34BJed8Uf0YimVUH5lUyaY7NoAgQovK4BwWvW0dy0HRde-UxSLrOxgdRsKOy1_0aBF9f1tcVSqQVvlkHAQnzcvxvJKucFC/s4032/Samantha%20001%20-%2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-j9kmmG7FNMwAQXYvVgUtxurfhcDKsdKFDr4DrLzcH5TQ-sD4Ejr_RNd0p1-8zCSH7jUusvk5RhxLDUm8kZcUZVlwnnzSv34BJed8Uf0YimVUH5lUyaY7NoAgQovK4BwWvW0dy0HRde-UxSLrOxgdRsKOy1_0aBF9f1tcVSqQVvlkHAQnzcvxvJKucFC/s320/Samantha%20001%20-%2001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Religion handling table at the Roman Baths</td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who are the major gods? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The major
gods are the most well-known and powerful gods. These include Juno, Apollo, and
Vulcan, and objects from the collection can show us how multi-dimensional these
gods were. For example, there are two different coins with Venus on them. One
of them shows Venus standing with an apple, which is one of her common symbols
that represents love. The other coin shows Venus Victory, depicted in armour
and holding a sceptre and a helmet. Here, we see Venus as a warrior instead of
her as a goddess of love. It is helpful to see the gods as complex beings who
represent more than one idea.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_fvPgg9oLArg-B88DD9ZCsYnG-HnTen_fhBjQ2KwD7tyxlfOhu97QFKNZhhVYIE0QpL5ZoCb5dBaLRSjhxq6a4BD-KPNgmOpJkTmNVsXQJDn6k7QROEELM8Y8XcpyBAFESuaS1dprlAgQJUze8XJB-WpGz3sA319sWx4_YqwwpA8SuQSTByTI8FVZM_p/s6008/Samantha%20001%2002+03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="6008" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_fvPgg9oLArg-B88DD9ZCsYnG-HnTen_fhBjQ2KwD7tyxlfOhu97QFKNZhhVYIE0QpL5ZoCb5dBaLRSjhxq6a4BD-KPNgmOpJkTmNVsXQJDn6k7QROEELM8Y8XcpyBAFESuaS1dprlAgQJUze8XJB-WpGz3sA319sWx4_YqwwpA8SuQSTByTI8FVZM_p/s320/Samantha%20001%2002+03.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Venus with an apple (l) and Venus Victory (r)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Which gods were worshipped at the Roman Baths?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sulis
Minerva is the main goddess worshipped at the Roman Baths, but she is not the
only one. Others worshipped here include Diana, Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars.
Jupiter is on an altar in the Temple Courtyard, and we can also see him on
coins and pottery. On a coin, Jupiter is seated holding Winged Victory and, on
a piece of pottery, his arm is flexed to throw his thunderbolt. Even though
this site is dedicated to Sulis Minerva, it does not mean that we cannot see
other gods represented at this same location.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfgyjws0t2p2bpap6yE_dF0a2IdMQQeYQiEOh31SjWusKUykSUbUWDrKqAJR9yyn6VLJQh6gvU2A3JJSTRoEu2vl9lZCdQXKiOEJz_J_QlVMDCjIOQDjkZ-L40HeZRKHb1Z8-R38KJBTYLL4Mhi73m9mQwCsNx14BWWCrR25DSnzPk5YNaClpDq3Io5vd/s6040/Samantha%20001%20-%2004+05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="6040" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfgyjws0t2p2bpap6yE_dF0a2IdMQQeYQiEOh31SjWusKUykSUbUWDrKqAJR9yyn6VLJQh6gvU2A3JJSTRoEu2vl9lZCdQXKiOEJz_J_QlVMDCjIOQDjkZ-L40HeZRKHb1Z8-R38KJBTYLL4Mhi73m9mQwCsNx14BWWCrR25DSnzPk5YNaClpDq3Io5vd/s320/Samantha%20001%20-%2004+05.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Jupiter holding Winged Victory (l) and Jupiter’s hand on thunderbolt from the altar in the Temple Courtyard (r)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who are the minor gods?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The minor
gods are not as well known by the general public and are personifications of
virtues that the Romans promoted and tried to follow. One coin that shows this
depicts Libertas, goddess of liberty. On the reverse of the coin, we see
Libertas holding a soft <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pileus </i>(a hat
that freed slaves wore)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>and a
sceptre. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pileus </i>on the coin
symbolises freedom for freed slaves which was a common virtue to put on a coin.
Libertas is one of many smaller gods who represent Roman virtues.</span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0M3unjdcnMauwUgzQzTbgMTWa0wRZKRVzk6l4G8e7_c1HBmw6UHJjWLPdQW3rms9QFIo4wBnafCm_1oxT79on0ll9FBarEbnmpQF7H0DcooYIlWC0BBz_bRlAwdN4gOqYWDvRhk3W5mYzI2XGEwhASRZ83z-znnr_sh3MVcNlgUhSzwUzKtK4xfzjmv2/s4032/Samantha%20001%20-%2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0M3unjdcnMauwUgzQzTbgMTWa0wRZKRVzk6l4G8e7_c1HBmw6UHJjWLPdQW3rms9QFIo4wBnafCm_1oxT79on0ll9FBarEbnmpQF7H0DcooYIlWC0BBz_bRlAwdN4gOqYWDvRhk3W5mYzI2XGEwhASRZ83z-znnr_sh3MVcNlgUhSzwUzKtK4xfzjmv2/s320/Samantha%20001%20-%2006.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Libertas holding </span><i style="font-size: 16px;">pileus</i><span style="font-size: 16px;"> and sceptre</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take a look
at your money today! Do you see symbols or themes represented on your coins? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Samantha
Kestler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Collections
Placement (MA Museum Studies)<o:p></o:p></span></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-38510537950414764202023-10-04T10:00:00.003+01:002023-10-04T10:00:00.143+01:00Stone Age Toolbox<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><a name="_Hlk145328087"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prehistoric tools are
fascinating! The technology to make them is so old, yet we can still recreate
them today. </span></a></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3N6LDdPqb7ucGIEIUzvb6oaosAUbRfDJx8jm8WZnuu1zXw-uNalHL5qIgqvJJV8a2C_w1dcuKXfzRgZBWN3i4w4EDmgbV9nnZp6YGhL3FA5WLfLqoXCQ1grIuRoktedU5TCUzPHGggF4lAqEbkdZVusc2aCz3goqqKtxTTrj_zT1pMGEPxYEI0Pk_x5F/s4032/Jen%20001%20-%2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3N6LDdPqb7ucGIEIUzvb6oaosAUbRfDJx8jm8WZnuu1zXw-uNalHL5qIgqvJJV8a2C_w1dcuKXfzRgZBWN3i4w4EDmgbV9nnZp6YGhL3FA5WLfLqoXCQ1grIuRoktedU5TCUzPHGggF4lAqEbkdZVusc2aCz3goqqKtxTTrj_zT1pMGEPxYEI0Pk_x5F/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">‘Stone Age Toolbox’ handling table, August 2023</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The oldest man-made object in the Roman Baths collection is a Palaeolithic hand axe made of chert (a type of rock).
A hand axe is a hand-held stone tool used for digging, chopping, scraping,
piercing, and hammering<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span> These axes are the longest
used tool in human history, used throughout the Palaeolithic period (1,000,000 to
12,000 years ago) and most likely into the Mesolithic period (12,000 to 6,000 years
ago). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnFkbkwDypWciFpnKc4UrMGc7PK7NhDC5pa4un6koFP_2h3-kGyxoffTc5mYfKrLUvtWiP_QKa99-2oFrGedfUHkbnTN6mpgKHZK0J6kohc1QLFAwFTqmVNtNqRoOkxz9WCCYZjlhp_smTizs2WlGTl9vFc8bxAqKFxSbolYQ9NjY3yT45lZ6B78IH8-a/s1024/Jen%20001%20-%2002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnFkbkwDypWciFpnKc4UrMGc7PK7NhDC5pa4un6koFP_2h3-kGyxoffTc5mYfKrLUvtWiP_QKa99-2oFrGedfUHkbnTN6mpgKHZK0J6kohc1QLFAwFTqmVNtNqRoOkxz9WCCYZjlhp_smTizs2WlGTl9vFc8bxAqKFxSbolYQ9NjY3yT45lZ6B78IH8-a/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2002.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Replica of a Palaeolithic hand axe</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This hand axe, found near Bath, dates from
500,000 – 250,000 years ago! It was made by <i>Homo Heidelbergensis</i>, a
species of early human who no longer exists, and yet it <i>still</i> fits comfortably
in the palm of your hand. <a name="_Hlk145328204">This physical connection to early
humans is what makes the Prehistoric period so interesting.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">During the Neolithic period (6,000 to 4,200
years ago), handles were added to axe heads, as they start to be used to cut
down trees to create fields. This was the start of crop farming, a new idea which
spread from the continent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYrN4SF30zjqjJSa5T3TMlGqX7PpRNd5w4rb7Q5mCMUK62n2d7HGE95X6xb8v-QBEhRUzyl1Vqe_r66_ytduDTduLSBMxbsk_yLv33fEE7itzpirS18gko8UsT0zginrH741-l5pxlDlP1WmbhnEpDtrlAC5quXy3I0wUV07yQhmuLX3hBjreGcyMVFwb/s678/Jen%20001%20-%2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYrN4SF30zjqjJSa5T3TMlGqX7PpRNd5w4rb7Q5mCMUK62n2d7HGE95X6xb8v-QBEhRUzyl1Vqe_r66_ytduDTduLSBMxbsk_yLv33fEE7itzpirS18gko8UsT0zginrH741-l5pxlDlP1WmbhnEpDtrlAC5quXy3I0wUV07yQhmuLX3hBjreGcyMVFwb/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2003.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Axe head with handle</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Axes continued to be used to cut down trees for
the rest of the Prehistoric period however the format of the handles changed
drastically during the Bronze Age (4,600 to 2,700 years ago). This was to
compensate for the new methods of construction of axes; they were being cast in
bronze in two-part moulds, creating the distinctive ridge around the axe head. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrOwI9QKb0nOBhXFiz9zQ5x-KaUUT8fWJIoe6AQSoFxIPOPxXJJ_0Kxap64zvh03j_Ht4BnJlJfMOJKdBNNQZNufAQtCMWySHyAZ3n2B35ZoKHfcQJUg70r3lR9rO7ltYDDrDW7i2aCq-KpkgOpPSy7ZnvlkbLdIZSdb7GRl3EZTJjya3H6J5AbkTb88j/s636/Jen%20001%20-%2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrOwI9QKb0nOBhXFiz9zQ5x-KaUUT8fWJIoe6AQSoFxIPOPxXJJ_0Kxap64zvh03j_Ht4BnJlJfMOJKdBNNQZNufAQtCMWySHyAZ3n2B35ZoKHfcQJUg70r3lR9rO7ltYDDrDW7i2aCq-KpkgOpPSy7ZnvlkbLdIZSdb7GRl3EZTJjya3H6J5AbkTb88j/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2004.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bronze Age socketed axe head</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Flint was used to create tools during the Prehistoric
period. Large pieces were used as axes and smaller pieces used to make tools.
This was done in a process called flint knapping, where the hammerstone (a
rock) is hit against a core (piece of flint) to create the desired shape. This
is continued until a tool has been created that is comfortable to hold. To
create the sharp cutting edge, the flint knapper chips away at the tool with
smaller, softer items, such as bone, which is more precise than the first
attempt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyM4-AhwlTgpBUMrXR2_MobRRFWsh1d3QkkhYawVJsgm9BarAlsyVohR5ltqpioAFJ28q63rPsBACZ2k_vZi3b8-Fq5OxJ1-px-jcI6MvP2d3AmqMkNFF9rcCU9ZAjpMQj_sPhgX4pzM4vb4IB1ZUXb6ik9v_dnVydgM6_f1hyphenhyphenfuEdbMBY_SYlHos3CDG/s443/Jen%20001%20-%2005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="443" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyM4-AhwlTgpBUMrXR2_MobRRFWsh1d3QkkhYawVJsgm9BarAlsyVohR5ltqpioAFJ28q63rPsBACZ2k_vZi3b8-Fq5OxJ1-px-jcI6MvP2d3AmqMkNFF9rcCU9ZAjpMQj_sPhgX4pzM4vb4IB1ZUXb6ik9v_dnVydgM6_f1hyphenhyphenfuEdbMBY_SYlHos3CDG/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2005.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Flintknapping, drawing by José-Manuel Benito Álvarez</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Palaeolithic burins and flint blades were made
from the flint chips created during flint knapping. Burins are small pieces of
flint with sharpened edges, usually in the shape of a circle. They were used to
create leather by scraping the skin, then to make clothing by piercing holes
into the leather and sewing it together with grasses. Flint blades were used to
cut soft materials such as food, animal skin, plants, or twigs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7fIyxR7SgV4N1tnFOuY2mfV2YAML-fCiqI7gEFQFDONS5GDdrcP4KEQNy5NR4vOZ7veFS-U2G3UZ9bEbYwD0F4mrvY0GIRucWPxpHrCHomaFIOhlaUmDzawfsuENXHcBaPBrxsK28yaRLG6Tk8GOZkOkWu9-GNabtL2_JHlZKImlX1lZpb_STZ5PkJNW/s462/Jen%20001%20-%2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7fIyxR7SgV4N1tnFOuY2mfV2YAML-fCiqI7gEFQFDONS5GDdrcP4KEQNy5NR4vOZ7veFS-U2G3UZ9bEbYwD0F4mrvY0GIRucWPxpHrCHomaFIOhlaUmDzawfsuENXHcBaPBrxsK28yaRLG6Tk8GOZkOkWu9-GNabtL2_JHlZKImlX1lZpb_STZ5PkJNW/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2006.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Palaeolithic burin</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">During the Mesolithic and into the Neolithic
period, microliths and arrowheads start to be used. Microliths are small flint
shards, usually attached to a handle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9L154TXOdkPK_z6_Ic5cvatJm8NsWwNz5vt1dAkpGhcRoJIR-YxScAcLsz8nKvEPXhEZ6OFLU0WaFtdusBjvu7ITtz2IdQ-hZWx8FTJSc0X5y78X6ZMPJRdC8i3dyGnwyzQexVLMAZ0ktHLCLKFB16zeunFSr3T50A5T4VdYuKCyOFmF82vOu8Zyto9b/s622/Jen%20001%20-%2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="622" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9L154TXOdkPK_z6_Ic5cvatJm8NsWwNz5vt1dAkpGhcRoJIR-YxScAcLsz8nKvEPXhEZ6OFLU0WaFtdusBjvu7ITtz2IdQ-hZWx8FTJSc0X5y78X6ZMPJRdC8i3dyGnwyzQexVLMAZ0ktHLCLKFB16zeunFSr3T50A5T4VdYuKCyOFmF82vOu8Zyto9b/s320/Jen%20001%20-%2007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Mesolithic microliths</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prehistory is about so much more than just
weapons and fighting. Most of the objects in the collection are tools for the
creation of food or resources, for example arrowheads used for hunting animals.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jen <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Placement student<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Edited by Eleanor, Collections Assistant</span></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-49011671350046042892023-09-20T10:00:00.009+01:002023-09-20T10:00:00.150+01:00What Can We Learn From Animal Bones?<p style="text-align: left;">Animal bones found at archaeological
excavations can provide valuable information about the past. They can tell us
about butchery and eating habits, tool use, and the environment the bones were disposed
of or buried in.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">First, we must identify
which animal the bones belong to. We can look at the overall size and
robusticity of the bones, as well as the cranium (skull) and the mandible (jaw).
The size, curvature, and profile of the mandible display distinct differences
between animals. Sheep mandibles flare at the curve of the jaw, which differs
from the more sloping profile of pig mandibles. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pigs have one of the
most distinctive teeth of domestic mammals. As omnivores, their teeth need to
be able to both slice and grind their food, and so they display more pronounced
canines and incisors compared to herbivores. </span>Their
teeth have flat shaped cusps ideal for their diet, this contrasts with the “W”
shaped profile of sheep teeth, deer and cattle.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekn0kjr9xg0jKWC6kSPbuj2f4KJRTzzdphlpfqdHhb2tedPBQyDHIXAGPe-vdqSzcsKaSWLl7SwbG0VbV72uLgY3v4n7OFI76NLN0UDJL-Fmnz2dgb3JyVg-HAdI4jDb1eGm3R5Xsi6NAfHLjz0-tEGV6-FJXf8PGAR8zq8A9ZKSN9IRFpw_IFYnbiOSa/s585/Lauren%20001%20-%20001.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="585" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekn0kjr9xg0jKWC6kSPbuj2f4KJRTzzdphlpfqdHhb2tedPBQyDHIXAGPe-vdqSzcsKaSWLl7SwbG0VbV72uLgY3v4n7OFI76NLN0UDJL-Fmnz2dgb3JyVg-HAdI4jDb1eGm3R5Xsi6NAfHLjz0-tEGV6-FJXf8PGAR8zq8A9ZKSN9IRFpw_IFYnbiOSa/w400-h139/Lauren%20001%20-%20001.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sheep mandible (left), pig mandible (right)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><br /><span lang="EN-US"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once the bone has been identified, we can examine the texture for signs of use by humans. Looking at the long bones for marks and scrapes can indicate intentional defleshing and butchery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Differences in butchery methods and skill can lead to differences in cut marks, and i</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">t can sometimes be difficult to identify signs of intentional butchery. The clearest way to do so is by observing a V-shaped cross section. This V shape is characteristic of cutting with a lithic or metal knife, whereas a U-shaped mark indicates stone tools were used. </span></p></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrO9LZEOFLJ8Bj1qRd2cmGUoRO5RTGhjrUoSa8hgoZsZulonPSPOZ_Nk0pMTPZ3VmiyFLU6sp1aHR618SdHsGZeWlX3OuPTu2L3P_EsRRFZ2U3QQ5IPlg9A4yTZs2M4voARvxUfBhf5DahipzkuJk5f1-V9-KwmPOsst6ZRFdNTpWtj9t7SFFrvoM6VRq/s825/Lauren%20001%20-%20005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="825" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrO9LZEOFLJ8Bj1qRd2cmGUoRO5RTGhjrUoSa8hgoZsZulonPSPOZ_Nk0pMTPZ3VmiyFLU6sp1aHR618SdHsGZeWlX3OuPTu2L3P_EsRRFZ2U3QQ5IPlg9A4yTZs2M4voARvxUfBhf5DahipzkuJk5f1-V9-KwmPOsst6ZRFdNTpWtj9t7SFFrvoM6VRq/s320/Lauren%20001%20-%20005.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sheep tibia with cut marks (left), split cow radius (right)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Worked bone is also common, and indicates bone was also used to make tools, decorations and jewellery. Bone can be polished and incised with a decorative pattern.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qe3EHdFYzBiKvLrVDh2_Ktc1jI7YWHKeuCLmutTN6ABqTEiS2MANSI4_knW2tgoiALzv1zBxL689zLkQdiqTgwfhhcoSlzozQnO_Ycnl2gFekMJyRFZDc030qdByeqzrPgg6xqf3Wy-a9vXCG-G3YDlqi_Y1aoSvFv9jNRsXw24NdMTGnLyZvFA-9N2G/s814/Lauren%20001%20-%2006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="814" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qe3EHdFYzBiKvLrVDh2_Ktc1jI7YWHKeuCLmutTN6ABqTEiS2MANSI4_knW2tgoiALzv1zBxL689zLkQdiqTgwfhhcoSlzozQnO_Ycnl2gFekMJyRFZDc030qdByeqzrPgg6xqf3Wy-a9vXCG-G3YDlqi_Y1aoSvFv9jNRsXw24NdMTGnLyZvFA-9N2G/s320/Lauren%20001%20-%2006.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This worked Roman sheep metapodia that was used as a handle for a blade or utensil</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The colour and condition of the
bones can also reveal information about the environment the remains were
discarded or buried in, as well as actions of other animals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">When bones are discarded there is
often still meat on the bone, and this can attract rodents which leave distinct
parallel grooves and scrapes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">A bright white bone indicates it
was bleached by sunlight, whereas black and dark brown suggest exposure to
bacteria, fungi and soil minerals. Green marks indicate contact with copper; this
is a frequent occurrence in human remains due to grave goods. By noting these observations,
we can construct a profile of the animal's environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Overall, there is much to be
learned from animal bones in the archaeological context! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Lauren <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Collections placement student</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-28374790596035773492023-09-06T10:00:00.001+01:002023-09-06T10:00:00.161+01:00Spa Treatments in Bath<div class="separator"></div><div class="separator">For over 2000 years, people have been drawn to the waters
here in Bath. They have bathed, sought healing, worshipped, and socialised in
the only natural hot springs in the country. There have been numerous spa sites
in Bath since the Roman period and, in the 1800s, it was a thriving spa town. The
current free display in the King’s Lounge focuses on the Victorian bathing establishment.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“If they
can’t be cured by drinking and bathing here, they will never be cured anywhere”
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Dr Oliver, A Practical Dissertation on the Bath Waters, 1707</span></span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfax2Z6EQXYbwoHb0fHdjEsH-ES3T0J9BkFaDidc6uouES8VlS9WlHwI4UOal1-joARFkO4_Sxbx5QxI4gZunHDEfU3kVojVn8bjPWCwDb4NgMvWI60Lv3ZXM-yk5AMQpfcFV4dddxDx93YY-BXPuLtwVkkwb2eePsR5viWsLWYYuj-Zb5yLRZvjKLg/s7015/Eleanor%20008%20001.tif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4960" data-original-width="7015" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfax2Z6EQXYbwoHb0fHdjEsH-ES3T0J9BkFaDidc6uouES8VlS9WlHwI4UOal1-joARFkO4_Sxbx5QxI4gZunHDEfU3kVojVn8bjPWCwDb4NgMvWI60Lv3ZXM-yk5AMQpfcFV4dddxDx93YY-BXPuLtwVkkwb2eePsR5viWsLWYYuj-Zb5yLRZvjKLg/s320/Eleanor%20008%20001.tif" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Bath (1959) showing Victorian spa sites.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">This consisted of three sites: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>the redeveloped <b>Hot Bath</b>, known as <b>Old
Royal Baths </b>(1829)<b> </b>which included Bath’s first spa swimming bath,
the Beau Street Swimming Bath</li><li>the <b>New Royal Baths </b>and <b>Physical
Treatment Centre</b>, which opened as a luxurious treatment centre in 1870</li><li>the <b>New Queen’s Baths, </b>next to the King’s
Bath, which showcased fashionable treatments from 1889. </li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCTA8cvm_FTnqKG2cO8Y9Qx_qbrpSPennY2vON7Y5Tky4a7YjAKkKj2CJvaR6RU8EISuCBKk_9Aquv1i_tMcEO-CvfAPB0DUJ6nuMfVKpfaTeGBJOC7xottQHLMngstrCFoSXeTQEISxElHIdua_2BesQUP8V3mAzwjX5-Ya80Ega8_16faTnB5JIhw/s320/Eleanor%20008%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Stall Street entrance to the Roman Baths <br />with a sign for the King’s and Queens Baths.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal">These centres and their spa treatments remained popular
through to the 20<sup>th</sup> century.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the Physical Treatment Centre, new and fashionable treatments
were made available, inspired by spa towns on the continent. Much of the spa
equipment was custom made, and included variants on the Needle Douche, the
Plombières Douche, and a sulphur bath. The Vichy Needle Douche was named after
the prestigious spa town in Vichy, France. A lifting mechanism was custom made
for the Hot Bath, slings or chairs lifted patients in and out of the water.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqkxxGjLBaP0dPIrLezd496_yjOuTNa-8pKI2Pn_O19RuL7AX-xyTNH7DRK_GmEYNciNooZ-s9KKr1mqnvwqUa-z0Y-WX7zd6e5xqU-wxKTyKM6aznA7YCPGif-v-KSAtWODfGoc0fiJIy0II499lk5P8xxASg1jWUwUBCgLMhg6P7iTloOGgLKq0GvLt/s1825/Eleanor%20008%20003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1825" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqkxxGjLBaP0dPIrLezd496_yjOuTNa-8pKI2Pn_O19RuL7AX-xyTNH7DRK_GmEYNciNooZ-s9KKr1mqnvwqUa-z0Y-WX7zd6e5xqU-wxKTyKM6aznA7YCPGif-v-KSAtWODfGoc0fiJIy0II499lk5P8xxASg1jWUwUBCgLMhg6P7iTloOGgLKq0GvLt/s320/Eleanor%20008%20003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Electricity was used in conjunction with mineral water, <br />including the Hydro-Electric Four-cell Bath, in which <br />patients’ limbs were placed in four separate tubs, allowing the <br />controlled current to pass in any direction.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The water was celebrated for its healing properties, some
believed this to be due to the presence of radium, now known to be a toxic gas.
This was seen in treatments such as Radium Inhalatorium, in which radium was
inhaled through the nose or mouth, or, when used with mineral water, as a nasal
or throat spray. Although the water was proudly advertised as radioactive, in
reality radium is only present in minute quantities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During World War One, thousands of wounded soldiers were
sent to Bath to recover. They received treatments at the Mineral Water Hospital
and the New Royal Baths were enlarged in 1915 to provide facilities specifically
designed for them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the Second World War, the baths’ popularity began to
decline. Leisure travel and spa therapy were no longer fashionable, and the
city’s infrastructure had been damaged during the Bath Blitz. The New Queen’s
Bath was demolished in 1970 and the Physical Treatment Centre closed in 1976,
following the withdrawal of NHS funding established in 1948.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHQRiH0QkgCcVB1CXUBFIyCUUVLL9l0ss915UafzjPDJaS0J2RVhiAz-5uDJ-UrgGwkKl-LahUUweveMJiP1058O0tybWqzdsrW3WbrYwnI30G_1UNjobYlACZkgr27PB2ljF4Bprfl9XKL2clm0PiDDvuEWISSOj7sPqNZiWzZ3cNM4BIcTOXqpP_g/s4032/Eleanor%20008%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHQRiH0QkgCcVB1CXUBFIyCUUVLL9l0ss915UafzjPDJaS0J2RVhiAz-5uDJ-UrgGwkKl-LahUUweveMJiP1058O0tybWqzdsrW3WbrYwnI30G_1UNjobYlACZkgr27PB2ljF4Bprfl9XKL2clm0PiDDvuEWISSOj7sPqNZiWzZ3cNM4BIcTOXqpP_g/s320/Eleanor%20008%20004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary display in the King's Lounge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The objects displayed in the King’s Lounge were removed
prior to work on the new Thermae Spa which opened in 2003. They include a hook
and handle from the lifting mechanism used to lower patients into the Hot Bath,
a pressure gauge from a Vichy Douche, a thermometer which hung in the Hot Bath,
and a pamphlet which details treatments and their prices in April 1923.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can see the display for free by accessing the Stall
Street entrance during opening hours between 10am-5pm.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor </p><p class="MsoNormal">Collections Assistant </p><br />The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-12098447856417793802023-06-07T09:41:00.004+01:002023-07-24T10:38:21.762+01:00Pottery Party!<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Did
you know that we don't just have Roman objects in our collection? We have a
wide array of objects, from sedan chairs, stone coffins and even mammoth teeth.
But perhaps one of the most important finds we have is pottery. Pottery is a
great tool for archaeologists as it gives an approximate time period for their
excavation. But how do we know this? To figure it out, we employ the help of
our trusty pottery flow chart.</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg824WntWZihjNO4hUazOJByqxryzENO0uLKx1rtKAcOw8EqLFaPl7yZ-4ZaVNIyUVdtQhz2ec-C-rrbLyArEAKuLc-t9tmPToL_ZCN4I5rrDj80duiWwkrsgFlZYIZrno6Sunkn6UdD-O2ObvT2lL4VuGNKHhROEpF4kYcjTPsbbWnxDDWHh8RRT8Wfw/s516/Georgie%20001%20-%2001.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="516" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg824WntWZihjNO4hUazOJByqxryzENO0uLKx1rtKAcOw8EqLFaPl7yZ-4ZaVNIyUVdtQhz2ec-C-rrbLyArEAKuLc-t9tmPToL_ZCN4I5rrDj80duiWwkrsgFlZYIZrno6Sunkn6UdD-O2ObvT2lL4VuGNKHhROEpF4kYcjTPsbbWnxDDWHh8RRT8Wfw/w465-h329/Georgie%20001%20-%2001.png" width="465" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
aim of this pottery game is to follow the questions on the flow chart to work
out which time period your piece is from. If you are unsure about what a word
means, scroll to the bottom of this article for our 'fun pottery words'. Let’s
have a go together with this piece of pottery:</span><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQmZdvqIoPzbw-b240fVioLeu3T-modobb3Lh5SDhWfneo-oXZQ-I9LB5_7nPIDe4yoI9pHdME5yNJQ_FMZMsXHY-2GYer3lu3WL26d_DgyK17JauG18UtvKH-7HgcZZtGDi9p57oM_WTedOr4PLb6kClMDyXTOiOIC6upvDi_WpM0u19UgdxhDRu-g/s601/Georgie%20001%20-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="601" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQmZdvqIoPzbw-b240fVioLeu3T-modobb3Lh5SDhWfneo-oXZQ-I9LB5_7nPIDe4yoI9pHdME5yNJQ_FMZMsXHY-2GYer3lu3WL26d_DgyK17JauG18UtvKH-7HgcZZtGDi9p57oM_WTedOr4PLb6kClMDyXTOiOIC6upvDi_WpM0u19UgdxhDRu-g/w400-h203/Georgie%20001%20-02.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Do
you think it is coated?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Coating
is a shiny glaze which is put on the pottery for either decorative or waterproofing
purposes - sometimes both! This sherd does have coating, as you can see the
shiny green colour. Great! You answered the first question! Follow the flow
chart to see where you end up next...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Is
it coated only on the inside, only on the outside, or all over? </span></i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">This
piece is coated all over, as you can see the shiny green colour everywhere. It
even has some lovely decorative addition on one side, with a motif that
suggests nature and perhaps a recurring pattern. This takes us down to either
Late Georgian period or the Victorian period. Congratulations! You narrowed it
down to a much smaller time period. This piece is Victorian, and we can tell
because of the fantastic colour and the decoration style. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Its
intense green colour and the decoration tells us it is part of a 'Majolica'
ware - a type of brightly coloured serving platter or plate that had recurring
motifs with foliage or nature imagery on the top side. It would have been quite
common in Victorian England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see
that this is a rim piece, showing a beautiful amount of detail in the
patterning. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">This sherd came from an excavation in the Lower Borough Walls in
Bath. Historically, the majolica ware's glaze was made from tin oxide which
gave it the fantastically bright colour. Modern day majolica is still made
today, but the tin has been replaced with something safer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">These
are the kind of questions we ask ourselves as curators, archaeologists, and
specialists to figure out the approximate time period of a pottery fragment,
and now you've done it too. Consider yourself a pottery expert!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fun
Pottery Words</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ceramic
or pottery</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">
– Pots, plates, cups and more that have been made from clay and heated to
harden into a permanent shape.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Glaze
</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">– a
glassy, shiny coating on the pottery used for both decoration and for
protection, for example to make it waterproof.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Slip
</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">– a
mixture normally made from clay and water that is put on the pottery before
firing it. This slip can be colourful and decorative, and pottery with
decorative slip is called ‘slipware’. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kiln
</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">– a
special oven made for firing pottery.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Firing</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> – the process of
putting the pottery in a kiln or fire at a high heat to harden the clay and
make the pot usable. The exact process is different depending on what type of
clay you are using, and what type of pottery you are making.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Handmade
pottery</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">
– this is the oldest pottery technique. Handmade pottery involves shaping the
pottery with your hands, such as pushing the clay into a curve with your
fingers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Wheel
made or wheel thrown pottery</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> – pottery that has been made on a spinning
wheel to make it round. The spinning wheel has a flat, spinning surface that
you can shape the pot on. This can also be called wheel thrown pottery, as you
‘throw’ the clay on the spinning wheel. Wheel made pottery is easier and
quicker to make than handmade pottery. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Georgie</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Collections placement student</span></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-51805608253620702372023-03-31T09:00:00.017+01:002023-03-31T09:00:00.185+01:00 Heads or Tales: Septimius Severus<p>The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000
having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the
early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of
the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small
number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going
to look at a coin produced during Septimius Severus’ reign.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldMmXTGn9SIksbSXSQDV128EhyJPp2HROjG_3JDZDL4WvUISL2Q_tIj6hOCBtu2TC5nAQSway6vSSEc9YYjQ4aZpfgCO14J3SKKRztSwmlkXy-nlwL2PI-SxehwmuHW2-eA0Vp6DSEK4t1IbiWZinbrQR6jOgU2fvZOFxfPUH3AurB9g4a6ttBBgJXw/s1638/Eleanor%20007%20003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1638" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldMmXTGn9SIksbSXSQDV128EhyJPp2HROjG_3JDZDL4WvUISL2Q_tIj6hOCBtu2TC5nAQSway6vSSEc9YYjQ4aZpfgCO14J3SKKRztSwmlkXy-nlwL2PI-SxehwmuHW2-eA0Vp6DSEK4t1IbiWZinbrQR6jOgU2fvZOFxfPUH3AurB9g4a6ttBBgJXw/w429-h204/Eleanor%20007%20003.jpg" width="429" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Septimius Severus, obverse (l) and reverse (r)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Born in Leptis Magna, modern day Libya, Septimius Severus
was the first African-born Roman emperor. His predecessor, Pertinax, was
murdered by the Praetorian Guard. Following his proclamation as emperor,
Severus declared himself as the avenger of Pertinax and marched on Rome. During
his reign, Severus debased the Roman currency by decreasing the silver purity
of the <i>denarius</i>. This was the largest act of debasement since Nero and
compromised the long-term strength of the economy. His reign was also
characterised by military campaigns in both Parthia and Britain.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Severus’ British campaign began in 208 CE and was sparked by
an increase of raids and attacks on Roman Britain by the Caledonians, largely
due to Hadrian’s Wall being unmanned. During the campaign, he quickly reached
the Antonine Wall but was not able to fully subjugate Caledonia. Eventually,
his campaign was cut short when he fell ill and he withdrew to Eboracum, modern
day York, where he died. Following his death, the Romans never campaigned into
Caledonia again, and the Roman frontier was permanently withdrawn to Hadrian’s
wall. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFvdbDtfH5BUPYIKCeZeRhW-iK2QD0VeK0Sam5LTCWKSTUi58DGRKucbuQkypapIN9PKM0f5EzZxgyY1Mnkhm8IVGhE8BpV1oyuPTaT_A_1HHkIb7PtjSktt_v_N2_Ia5I97eZwWdHX2xuA_UoRzq_CwOVAbf3pquotrMbq05bcXon6VCajlL9mbrDw/s801/Eleanor%20007%20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="801" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFvdbDtfH5BUPYIKCeZeRhW-iK2QD0VeK0Sam5LTCWKSTUi58DGRKucbuQkypapIN9PKM0f5EzZxgyY1Mnkhm8IVGhE8BpV1oyuPTaT_A_1HHkIb7PtjSktt_v_N2_Ia5I97eZwWdHX2xuA_UoRzq_CwOVAbf3pquotrMbq05bcXon6VCajlL9mbrDw/s320/Eleanor%20007%20001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Septimius Severus, obverse </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Obverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin depicts Septimius Severus facing
right, with a wreath of laurels on his head known as a laureate crown. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus
Imperator III</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is his regnal name, used during his reign and
thereafter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsdI4vB_vETVlwZsROuM48dc7n1xq5krECP1Q9_-q4DY-UuEKOYN5QAodMyxiS3Gb-7yRqPLNKbitn1iS-CFf4KrsfkJRf49ASPFFbjqaX8bn4WwkiEuoA7tXsuUj0TIrDqKmG4px0DwyC9cWFeIjVW2ptBm_ZjNQoMdDxoAlgI6-nVs29R1NODoTeA/s862/Eleanor%20007%20002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="862" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsdI4vB_vETVlwZsROuM48dc7n1xq5krECP1Q9_-q4DY-UuEKOYN5QAodMyxiS3Gb-7yRqPLNKbitn1iS-CFf4KrsfkJRf49ASPFFbjqaX8bn4WwkiEuoA7tXsuUj0TIrDqKmG4px0DwyC9cWFeIjVW2ptBm_ZjNQoMdDxoAlgI6-nVs29R1NODoTeA/s320/Eleanor%20007%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Septimius Severus, reverse</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The back of the coin depicts Jupiter, seated and facing
left, holding a sceptre in one hand and a small Victory in the other one.
Severus presents his victories, such as those in Parthia, as having been
divinely ordained by Jupiter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate II, Consul III,
Pater Patriae</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Pontifex Maximus</i> refers to the Republican role of
chief high priest and it was the most important position in Roman religion. It
became an imperial title and served as a reference to the religious aspect of
the imperial duties. <i>Tribunicia Potestate</i> translates to tribune of the
people, a role representing the common people in government. It is followed by
the number two, which indicates which term as Tribune the emperor was serving. <i>Consul</i>
was the highest office under the Republic; during the Empire, it was held by
the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than
twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was
minted during Severus’ third time as consul. <i>Pater Patriae </i>translates to
“father of his country”.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading our final blog in this series, we hope
you’ve enjoyed it and have been able to make #headsortales of some of them!
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Collections Assistant <o:p></o:p></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-43117668160542724002023-03-24T09:00:00.036+00:002023-03-24T09:00:00.173+00:00 Heads or Tales: Hadrian<p>The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000
having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the
early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of
the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small
number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going
to look at a coin produced during Hadrian’s reign.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOivxL9FBtdfGM26OQMyUsKZyhuYUxqAhDbcwzXzr8KLaGF2ClUpj8zrpfQmlYXoMGr6B-k1Myy8dtGpD8T1meYpKztzUR0rbtfqMXzdReGxIfEfmHpDytFjSgU3_wXeIqTnhEQT_E-oMJ43rKypO5O09xAnw_BjhmgG3mCm7OAhMqxauknLfp58DzOg/s3816/Eleanor%20006%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="3816" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOivxL9FBtdfGM26OQMyUsKZyhuYUxqAhDbcwzXzr8KLaGF2ClUpj8zrpfQmlYXoMGr6B-k1Myy8dtGpD8T1meYpKztzUR0rbtfqMXzdReGxIfEfmHpDytFjSgU3_wXeIqTnhEQT_E-oMJ43rKypO5O09xAnw_BjhmgG3mCm7OAhMqxauknLfp58DzOg/w400-h203/Eleanor%20006%20003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As </i>of Hadrian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table>At the beginning of Hadrian’s reign, there was rebellion and
unrest in Roman Britain. In 122 CE, construction for a defensive wall began,
known as Hadrian’s Wall. It ran across the width of the island from Tyne and
Wear in the east to Cumbria in the west. This ended the previous policy of
imperial expansion, as Hadrian chose to focus on defending existing borders
such as in Britain instead. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyUxRoqLwP8Qq7X1doInRroshQLUV6AotPcUXLwbD-aVusddQLHRRJxC-MhYX57Vhoraf2F3f0cPc0VVoe7wMAmTAFXQohYKc_vNMDHuNY89wVNTU_qh1BhxEXddBq6W8IpIyuR57eWc0NTnPewCwtjbHqurWTRAkp-eDX2I_UscS9Tp_JyI49pqcXA/s2018/Eleanor%20006%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1821" data-original-width="2018" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyUxRoqLwP8Qq7X1doInRroshQLUV6AotPcUXLwbD-aVusddQLHRRJxC-MhYX57Vhoraf2F3f0cPc0VVoe7wMAmTAFXQohYKc_vNMDHuNY89wVNTU_qh1BhxEXddBq6W8IpIyuR57eWc0NTnPewCwtjbHqurWTRAkp-eDX2I_UscS9Tp_JyI49pqcXA/s320/Eleanor%20006%20001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As </i>of Hadrian, obverse</td></tr></tbody></table>Obverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin shows Hadrian, facing right with a
wreath of laurel leaves known as a laureate crown. He has a beard and was the
first emperor since Nero to be shown with one. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus,</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was his regnal name, used during his reign and thereafter.
<o:p></o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbEIORU3aNR6bufYYFL27o5nlZeHKwlJy_0F6IhmryXvEwD831yPvOZNAsDHXPdS4g0cqDwoDAvTDhyNMaectarq9QW-njuxvqKOcAyS6WhZf9fy5YdiX0qMSY5H2ZKx-A3zEvyR2EbC2I40a5yOu_t5z5RuzxDcDlxgmIuP9jkL7Y4cS6ybYelMEAQ/s2159/Eleanor%20006%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2159" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbEIORU3aNR6bufYYFL27o5nlZeHKwlJy_0F6IhmryXvEwD831yPvOZNAsDHXPdS4g0cqDwoDAvTDhyNMaectarq9QW-njuxvqKOcAyS6WhZf9fy5YdiX0qMSY5H2ZKx-A3zEvyR2EbC2I40a5yOu_t5z5RuzxDcDlxgmIuP9jkL7Y4cS6ybYelMEAQ/s320/Eleanor%20006%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As </i>of Hadrian, reverse</td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The back of the coin depicts Fortuna Redux, a form of the
goddess Fortuna, holding a rudder and cornucopia. The cornucopia represents
abundance, and Fortune helps to steer the course of events with the rudder.
Fortuna Redux specifically oversaw a return from a long and perilous journey, as
highlighted by the rudder. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Pontifex Maximus, Tribunica Potestate, Consul III, S.C.,
Fortuna Redux</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Pontifex Maximus</i> refers to the Republican role of
chief high priest and it was the most important position in Roman religion. It
became an imperial title and served as a reference to the religious aspect of
the imperial duties. <i>Tribunicia Potestate</i> translates to tribune of the
people, a role representing the common people in government. It is often
followed by a number to indicate which term as Tribune the emperor was serving,
but that is not present on this coin. <i>Consul</i> was the highest office
under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his
family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor
could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Hadrian’s
third time as consul. <i>S.C.</i> means <i>Senatus Consultus</i> and is
commonly found on the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3<sup>rd</sup>
century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins which were issued under imperial
authority, bronze coins were issued under the Senate’s authority.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next
week's coin!<o:p></o:p></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-87242382410306561252023-03-10T09:00:00.007+00:002023-03-10T09:00:00.169+00:00Heads or Tales: Trajan<p>The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000
having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the
early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of
the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small
number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going
to look at a coin produced during Trajan’s reign.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97JC4jHnDDX9_RBxp5fRId8TiOORkn7NAiQ7oqzdc0JnmPpgbgCn99N72RyrY7IwLPbt07vIMpkpq2GFgScnVa4oU4zExJqVm-BhQK9xzJmiPG59Q6B3T2FkZplCFn2z2kMg49noH5MNPyediQamVyaXxYZFdyOQ0_rAQrt5IXo3_PMnyAtADO88GfA/s2067/Eleanor%20005%20003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="2067" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97JC4jHnDDX9_RBxp5fRId8TiOORkn7NAiQ7oqzdc0JnmPpgbgCn99N72RyrY7IwLPbt07vIMpkpq2GFgScnVa4oU4zExJqVm-BhQK9xzJmiPG59Q6B3T2FkZplCFn2z2kMg49noH5MNPyediQamVyaXxYZFdyOQ0_rAQrt5IXo3_PMnyAtADO88GfA/w444-h210/Eleanor%20005%20003.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Trajan, obverse (l) and reverse (r)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></h3></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During Trajan’s reign the Roman Empire was at its
territorial height, and this period is remembered for the Empire’s extensive
territorial expansion. His earliest conquests were the wars against Dacia,
modern day Romania and its neighbouring countries. The first war (101-102 CE)
resulted in Dacia becoming a client kingdom. The second war (105-106 CE) led to
the destruction of the Dacian capital and the conquering of the region. Following
the Dacian wars, Trajan then invaded the Parthian Empire to the east. He is
also known for his extensive public building programmes, including Trajan’s
Forum, Trajan’s Market, and Trajan’s Column, the latter of which depicts his
victory in the Dacian Wars. There is very little known about Trajan’s attitude
towards Britain as there is no reference to Britain in any contemporary written
sources and he did not expand further into Britain.</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpMx5J7K3nkJiv5Px9xXQfAn4W0RqCK5YTtYRBht4HhRkpxb4_d6_vXpBrVtbZtFWmv0lXmVXz08bWJ9utalGFx02zRedM0NQiDBr6d7co5-4moGIgsx2IMrU914WYj7wM6pJ77NjG_o9WMbBThXBsevQWCYkQMS8aGwx5Zpku6Ylb1ob3G3krRF61A/s1078/Eleanor%20005%20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1078" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpMx5J7K3nkJiv5Px9xXQfAn4W0RqCK5YTtYRBht4HhRkpxb4_d6_vXpBrVtbZtFWmv0lXmVXz08bWJ9utalGFx02zRedM0NQiDBr6d7co5-4moGIgsx2IMrU914WYj7wM6pJ77NjG_o9WMbBThXBsevQWCYkQMS8aGwx5Zpku6Ylb1ob3G3krRF61A/s320/Eleanor%20005%20001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Trajan, obverse</td></tr></tbody></table>Obverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin depicts Trajan facing right, with a
wreath of laurel leaves known as a laureate crown. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Optimus Augustus
Germanicus Dacicus</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His regnal name was Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus
Augustus, and this was used during his reign and thereafter. The term <i>optimus</i>,
meaning “the best”, was bestowed upon Trajan by the Roman Senate due to his
popularity among his peers. It appeared on coins from 105 CE onwards, so this
coin dates to after that time. The title <i>Germanicus</i> was conferred upon
him during Nerva’s reign, when he was governor of Upper Germany. He was awarded
this on account of his rule of the volatile province. The title <i>Dacicus</i>
is a victory title, reflecting Trajan’s conquest of Dacia. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_AFfEz1rIzpUS56UbVf_oXyDLWxlKZgizBFPk3CUhivDBgsBuMBap0fcMhhi3OGmr_ZYs7uySoQTTdkCcGkziSyHIlqV3dGPa3Ma2r0cVDojQqjPU6NRxDgvvP-xGccKXdMuNTzn33yN-_H8fVaTBbbaiaQqXdm1RXPpd00Eux9MZIbN0wg0McSQOg/s948/Eleanor%20005%20002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="948" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_AFfEz1rIzpUS56UbVf_oXyDLWxlKZgizBFPk3CUhivDBgsBuMBap0fcMhhi3OGmr_ZYs7uySoQTTdkCcGkziSyHIlqV3dGPa3Ma2r0cVDojQqjPU6NRxDgvvP-xGccKXdMuNTzn33yN-_H8fVaTBbbaiaQqXdm1RXPpd00Eux9MZIbN0wg0McSQOg/s320/Eleanor%20005%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Trajan, reverse<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></h3></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the back of the coin is Providentia, <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
personification of foresight. She stands, facing left, <span style="color: black;">and
is holding a staff, with her hand resting on a column.</span></span> Her
appearance is used by Trajan to publicise that he is aware of the needs of the
empire and its people and is taking steps to meet them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Providentia Parthicus Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia
Potestate, Consul IV, Pater Patriae, SPQR</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like with the titles <i>Germanicus</i> and <i>Dacicus</i>, <i>Parthicus</i>
reflects Trajan’s Parthian campaign. <i>Pontifex Maximus</i> refers to the
Republican role of chief high priest and it was the most important position in
Roman religion. It became an imperial title and served as a reference to the
religious aspect of the imperial duties. <i>Tribunicia Potestate</i> translates
to tribune of the people, a role representing the common people in government.
It is often followed by a number to indicate which term as Tribune the emperor
was serving, but not on this coin. <i>Consul</i> was the highest office under
the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his family
members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor could
serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Trajan’s fourth
time as consul. <i>Pater Patriae </i>translates to “father of his country”. <i>SPQR</i>
stands for the Senate and the Roman People and is a phrase commonly associated
with Trajan and the Roman Empire. This emphasises that his authority comes from
the Senate and the People, rather than his adoption by his predecessor Nerva. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next
week's coin!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor</p><p class="MsoNormal">Collections Assistant </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-75691634533933864732023-03-03T09:00:00.009+00:002023-03-03T09:00:00.189+00:00Heads or Tales: NervaThe hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000
having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the
early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of
the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small
number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going
to look at a coin produced during Nerva’s reign.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM4j6q9Ujj6xEY4x2xoQ7Ic1bPkYE014jIjwaacZRaxYPBy2C2SPa_x96Fg-5xCt3PkzT-Cl3r3ld3QmiX2U4q6dldp_LZ7PuQ3XTqahw6DWgqbYiJP9Q0XGGnzFJA5aF-k2YCBZayaEUT7lHUI-QnywG7XiLLruAxNK64pY4JSc49VOrIxfJCGardA/s4300/Eleanor%20004%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2092" data-original-width="4300" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM4j6q9Ujj6xEY4x2xoQ7Ic1bPkYE014jIjwaacZRaxYPBy2C2SPa_x96Fg-5xCt3PkzT-Cl3r3ld3QmiX2U4q6dldp_LZ7PuQ3XTqahw6DWgqbYiJP9Q0XGGnzFJA5aF-k2YCBZayaEUT7lHUI-QnywG7XiLLruAxNK64pY4JSc49VOrIxfJCGardA/w400-h195/Eleanor%20004%20003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.9104px;">Dupondius </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.9104px;">of Nerva, obverse (l) and reverse (r)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Following the assassination of Domitian in 96 CE, Nerva was
proclaimed emperor by the Senate. His reign was welcomed by senators, who had
previously been persecuted under Domitian’s rule. Nerva openly promised that no
senators would be executed during his reign. He also ended trials for crimes of
treason, released those imprisoned for treason, and granted amnesty to those
who were exiled. When he died, he was the last emperor to be interred in the
Mausoleum of Augustus.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeE_JYOSZOMiPB7mzKeiXDGdx4kpsJnATzRHZS_Rt4ZVqBw1W_vAEEOaDfolwITLWxLHetRAv6Fzgh7_NXeMVpcslSu1IhcDnN9F_3xkRbp2bIBVVcOKhZXm7prqB5c_Qu-1QRN2mmfKwOv4u3FWmGBY_epHrFYLJXa7214SIbJ3XP6AVXlMXf6BLrQ/s1920/Eleanor%20004%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqiOkteSTuCRcrfjj82r3MbO5c4ojJj8S_Wx4Aei4Z9vRom1xpAvs50WwhiE8kmmwfPwV36FjHzIV8gkeauF-nYZF3wtE_CvlQlqwZiPWLdY1YmwtYqaSa5xOX8lgc8Fa0WjG77EUKLMs6-7RH7DpGJ2aIKONZFJXSiepGPP7dWjuTiY000FJQlXLuA/s2225/Eleanor%20004%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="2225" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqiOkteSTuCRcrfjj82r3MbO5c4ojJj8S_Wx4Aei4Z9vRom1xpAvs50WwhiE8kmmwfPwV36FjHzIV8gkeauF-nYZF3wtE_CvlQlqwZiPWLdY1YmwtYqaSa5xOX8lgc8Fa0WjG77EUKLMs6-7RH7DpGJ2aIKONZFJXSiepGPP7dWjuTiY000FJQlXLuA/w291-h273/Eleanor%20004%20001.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.9104px;">Dupondius </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.9104px;">of Nerva, obverse</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeE_JYOSZOMiPB7mzKeiXDGdx4kpsJnATzRHZS_Rt4ZVqBw1W_vAEEOaDfolwITLWxLHetRAv6Fzgh7_NXeMVpcslSu1IhcDnN9F_3xkRbp2bIBVVcOKhZXm7prqB5c_Qu-1QRN2mmfKwOv4u3FWmGBY_epHrFYLJXa7214SIbJ3XP6AVXlMXf6BLrQ/s1920/Eleanor%20004%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Obverse: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin depicts Nerva facing right facing
right and wearing a crown of spikes known as a radiate crown. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Imperator Nerva Caesar Augustus Pontifex Maximus,
Tribunicia Potestate, Consul… Pater Patriae</i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first four names refer to Nerva’s regnal name, used
during his reign and thereafter. <i>Pontifex Maximus</i> refers to the
Republican role of chief high priest, the most important position in Roman
religion. It became an imperial title and served as a reference to the
religious aspect of the imperial duties. This is followed by “tribune of the
people”, a role representing the common people in government. It is sometimes
followed by a number to indicate which term as tribune the emperor was serving,
but not here. <i>Consul</i> was the highest office under the Republic. During
the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely
served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as
he wanted. Usually, a number follows to indicate how many times the emperor had
been consul and thus when the coin was minted but is illegible here. The final
phrase translates to “father of his country”. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1920" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeE_JYOSZOMiPB7mzKeiXDGdx4kpsJnATzRHZS_Rt4ZVqBw1W_vAEEOaDfolwITLWxLHetRAv6Fzgh7_NXeMVpcslSu1IhcDnN9F_3xkRbp2bIBVVcOKhZXm7prqB5c_Qu-1QRN2mmfKwOv4u3FWmGBY_epHrFYLJXa7214SIbJ3XP6AVXlMXf6BLrQ/w320-h243/Eleanor%20004%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.9104px;">Dupondius </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.9104px;">of Nerva, reverse</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The back shows Libertas, the personification of liberty,
standing and holding a <i>pileus</i> and a vertical sceptre in each hand. The <i>pileus</i>
is a soft woven wool cap which was often used as a symbol of freedom. They were
sometimes worn by newly freed enslaved people to reflect their newfound liberty,
old men, and the sick. The sceptre is a sign of divinity and associated with
Jupiter, and later served to demonstrate imperial power. The reference to the
imperial ideal of liberty contrasts Nerva’s reign with that of his predecessor
Domitian. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Libertas Publica S.C.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This translates to “public freedom”. <i>S.C.</i> stands for <i>Senatus
Consultus</i> and is commonly found on the reverse of bronze coins issued
before the late 3<sup>rd</sup> century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins which
were issued under imperial authority, bronze coins were issues under the
Senate’s authority.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next
week's coin!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor</p><p class="MsoNormal">Collections Assistant </p></div>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-59367552504152537452023-02-24T09:00:00.016+00:002023-02-24T09:00:00.183+00:00Heads or Tales: Domitian <p>The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000
having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the
early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of
the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small
number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going
to look at a coin produced during Domitian’s reign.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ci4uybzANsRyMFvH57coJBaZ6guiBS9U0BntwBpL30hSZf7dc19eFTNohDMKzl4GQB_TWLTRmlJaxKnTbg0uOW0CLwqGtOlgD5L0ZsHPDJhJVDWA1vqmfn6zIyGcie_P31moKfF-GjRaXnXg5VvtsiO5yMMZ-SEcAv7bCspUv55K57Ghk1g11Cq98g/s3868/Eleanor%20003%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1880" data-original-width="3868" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ci4uybzANsRyMFvH57coJBaZ6guiBS9U0BntwBpL30hSZf7dc19eFTNohDMKzl4GQB_TWLTRmlJaxKnTbg0uOW0CLwqGtOlgD5L0ZsHPDJhJVDWA1vqmfn6zIyGcie_P31moKfF-GjRaXnXg5VvtsiO5yMMZ-SEcAv7bCspUv55K57Ghk1g11Cq98g/w400-h195/Eleanor%20003%20003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Domitian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Domitian, alongside Agricola, his governor of Britain,
attempted to expand the Roman Empire as far as Caledonia (modern day Scotland)
during his reign. Eventually, he recalled Agricola to Rome in 85 CE. In 87 and
88 CE, following a war with the Kingdom of Dacia (modern day Romania), Domitian
ordered a withdrawal of troops from Caledonian forts. During his reign, he
dramatically revalued the Roman currency by increasing the silver purity of the
denarius.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIjpMIxsSohmJLXQPAslig6NRr25hIAIVKUqS0L8hi7TZaQUuYv4v1yVq9EYRKla5oAj4i_zgO2hroS-gsg-KiKpQGoy1cidPS-7I9yCR_1382rYXer2ZczNPVUnT21TUGVxzMtMDMWZFVYcTq8_zQ-n9EayABRohZ6qNAAXxHa-vk9xDZdKoFwVGgg/s2145/Eleanor%20003%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1883" data-original-width="2145" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIjpMIxsSohmJLXQPAslig6NRr25hIAIVKUqS0L8hi7TZaQUuYv4v1yVq9EYRKla5oAj4i_zgO2hroS-gsg-KiKpQGoy1cidPS-7I9yCR_1382rYXer2ZczNPVUnT21TUGVxzMtMDMWZFVYcTq8_zQ-n9EayABRohZ6qNAAXxHa-vk9xDZdKoFwVGgg/w320-h281/Eleanor%20003%20001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Domitian, obverse</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Obverse: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin depicts Domitian, facing right and
wearing a crown of spikes known as a radiate crown. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Imperator Caesar Domitian Augustus Germanicus Consul XIII
Censor Perpetuus Pater Patriae</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first four names refer to Domitian’s regnal name, used
during his reign and thereafter. The title Germanicus was given to Domitian
after his campaign against the Chatti, a Germanic tribe, in 83 CE. The consul
was the highest office under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by
the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than
twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was
minted during Domitian’s eighth time as consul. <i>Censor Perpetuus</i> refers
to Domitian’s title of “perpetual censor”, a Republican office which was
originally held for five years. The censor was a magistrate responsible for
regulating public morality and maintaining the census; his power was absolute.
Successive emperors did not assume this title. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_uBtflTC_UEchob239PhaEjO_MomW73TsjqMCKMwpXWFTiodQKQ9Dg3E56TGbSgt-qegCFk-yRK_LYXZvDn6VKaPx9ZN90zSUmetpzQFMANayhhek-QC9x72vRAXijnaOynXWa_zPkaWGQV477sHh3IWRylITO-NtBlXTF7CiNQOb_H8_Qv3zyVWTQ/s2025/Eleanor%20003%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1737" data-original-width="2025" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_uBtflTC_UEchob239PhaEjO_MomW73TsjqMCKMwpXWFTiodQKQ9Dg3E56TGbSgt-qegCFk-yRK_LYXZvDn6VKaPx9ZN90zSUmetpzQFMANayhhek-QC9x72vRAXijnaOynXWa_zPkaWGQV477sHh3IWRylITO-NtBlXTF7CiNQOb_H8_Qv3zyVWTQ/w320-h274/Eleanor%20003%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Domitian, reverse</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the back is Fortuna, the goddess of good fortune, facing
left. She holds a cornucopia and rudder. With good fortune comes abundance, as
represented by the cornucopia, and Fortuna also helps to steer future events
with the rudder. Through Fortuna, Domitian presents himself and his reign as a
period of abundance and good fortune. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription: </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Fortuna Augusti S.C.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Fortuna Augusti </i>refers to Fortuna herself. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>S.C.</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This means <i>Senatus Consultus</i> and is commonly found on
the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3<sup>rd</sup> century CE.
Unlike gold and silver coins which were issued under imperial authority, bronze
coins were issues under the Senate’s authority.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next
week's coin!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor </p><p class="MsoNormal">Collections Assistant </p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-77174059038018828292023-02-17T09:00:00.005+00:002023-02-17T09:00:00.170+00:00Heads or Tales: Vespasian <p>The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been
recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of
the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman occupation.
The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins
and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin
produced during Vespasian’s reign.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDX5TMRvXqHTg7AlaiYo9ZOHRKaILROzd4J6-p4QnG-mdXrFxgvIPy6W3hBiLitPzzBRUuP-bgWMr2JoqWW-SHgzkk7yTjI69SS4ITxv26VYjZOJx29ahsUv9XU3aeqFu7ZoYOjd5lTwNZEHP4heNbM7AoNAJvktnQPv1ni1re9dKGCyGl-M5pn_LcA/s2624/Eleanor%20002%20003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2624" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDX5TMRvXqHTg7AlaiYo9ZOHRKaILROzd4J6-p4QnG-mdXrFxgvIPy6W3hBiLitPzzBRUuP-bgWMr2JoqWW-SHgzkk7yTjI69SS4ITxv26VYjZOJx29ahsUv9XU3aeqFu7ZoYOjd5lTwNZEHP4heNbM7AoNAJvktnQPv1ni1re9dKGCyGl-M5pn_LcA/w426-h221/Eleanor%20002%20003.jpg" title="Dupondius of Vespasian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Vespasian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)</div><p>Before he was emperor, Vespasian had a successful military
career and in 43 CE he was involved in the Roman invasion of Britain. Once
emperor, Vespasian restored peace and stability after a year of civil wars and
short-lived emperors. Within Britain, he further increased imperial expansion
through his general Agricola.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTxPhDfTf26FddQti5X5zrioPpfyRu3jAujSeCGGS1snt3vyTIQmlK1cVazfH0I68AccvLMdkwghBAuMD2oluNVxM6HRG673zjeDCEg4AIGujoGtSD5EpqNPYe-1DwyLDzjPEVheSXrIwxfl7h-Qb-V9c8HeT5HS8gFjvxhmo8gTe0-xTHllj0MTctw/s1433/Eleanor%20002%20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1433" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTxPhDfTf26FddQti5X5zrioPpfyRu3jAujSeCGGS1snt3vyTIQmlK1cVazfH0I68AccvLMdkwghBAuMD2oluNVxM6HRG673zjeDCEg4AIGujoGtSD5EpqNPYe-1DwyLDzjPEVheSXrIwxfl7h-Qb-V9c8HeT5HS8gFjvxhmo8gTe0-xTHllj0MTctw/w320-h304/Eleanor%20002%20001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Vespasian, obverse</div><br /><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Obverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin depicts Vespasian in profile, facing
right with a wreath of laurel leaves known as a laureate crown.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The inscription reads <i>Imperator Caesar Vespasian Augustus
Consul VIII Pater Patriae</i>. The first four names refer to Vespasian’s regnal
name, used during his reign and thereafter. The consul was the highest office
under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his
family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor
could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Vespasian’s
eighth time as consul. <i>Pater Patriae </i>translates to “father of his
country”. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrn0Hm7Ca_-_FXzR2e9x0bhH5WernwdyZpVrDtu9BC-tujKX1VCWNCfkUmNiWtaGTEVznnWA9U2MEYfFA0Jzk86d_iOICWaBMeanE8a10-bIf8QnSWC_drcpXnyvdCk8ydlf_8FV393tMrCGFs8bhzo27TPwCQw8f0phB5zqjgHS2g6NVkF4oOrO3Hw/s1339/Eleanor%20002%20002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1339" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrn0Hm7Ca_-_FXzR2e9x0bhH5WernwdyZpVrDtu9BC-tujKX1VCWNCfkUmNiWtaGTEVznnWA9U2MEYfFA0Jzk86d_iOICWaBMeanE8a10-bIf8QnSWC_drcpXnyvdCk8ydlf_8FV393tMrCGFs8bhzo27TPwCQw8f0phB5zqjgHS2g6NVkF4oOrO3Hw/w320-h299/Eleanor%20002%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Vespasian, reverse</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse: </h3><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The back shows Fides, goddess of trust and good faith,
holding a cornucopia and patera. The cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and
fecundity, and it shows that the emperor will provide for his people. The
patera is a round, shallow dish, and was used in religious ceremonies for two
reasons, either to receive the blood of sacrificial animals or to offer to the
gods libations of wine. When the patera is held by a deity on a coin, it
represents their divine honours. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Fides Publica</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the name of the goddess. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>S.C</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This means <i>Senatus Consultus</i> and is commonly found on
the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3<sup>rd</sup> century CE.
Unlike gold and silver coins which were issued under imperial authority, bronze
coins were issues under the Senate’s authority.<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The edge of this coin is cut on one side, and it is possible
this was a deliberate act of mutilation of the coin. In cutting the coin, it
can no longer be used as money and so it forever remains as a gift to the
goddess. Coins like this are found across the empire, especially at temples and
shrines.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next
week's coin!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor </p><p class="MsoNormal">Collections Assistant</p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-24640913697500181282023-02-10T09:00:00.050+00:002023-02-16T09:56:37.261+00:00Heads or Tales: Nero<p>The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by
the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the
goddess. The most common offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been
recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of
the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman occupation.
The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins
and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin
produced during Nero's reign.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7yFJur0893d5WlbUcDbVg1YkXrTZqDS02LqWIybottuEMoQgXYbV-Z4Z0bXN1yflKEwjILBkRfy8gDAWSdFnktVBqjeaN4fWEE7_f1xeBAkc6XSiW8IAjhkdlJqA6LXEwgAQiSWy-iGmX7-7UgY56VtWpkYupxYPc_bFgWvy9JcVLV93gpMgu5Se-A/s3544/Eleanor%20001%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="3544" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7yFJur0893d5WlbUcDbVg1YkXrTZqDS02LqWIybottuEMoQgXYbV-Z4Z0bXN1yflKEwjILBkRfy8gDAWSdFnktVBqjeaN4fWEE7_f1xeBAkc6XSiW8IAjhkdlJqA6LXEwgAQiSWy-iGmX7-7UgY56VtWpkYupxYPc_bFgWvy9JcVLV93gpMgu5Se-A/s320/Eleanor%20001%20001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Nero, obverse (l) and reverse (r)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Nero’s reign of Britain was punctuated by the Boudican
revolt of 60/61 CE. Boudica, queen of the Iceni tribe, led a rebellion against
the Romans after they annexed the kingdom of her late husband, who had
previously ruled as an independent ally of Rome. Her revolt resulted in the
destruction of Camulodunum (modern day Colchester), and the burning of
Londinium (London) and Verulamium (St Albans). The revolt led to Nero considering
whether to withdraw imperial forces from Britain, but Boudica’s subsequent defeat
reinstated Roman control within the province. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0uri7DfLC7v2qawaDe1bWYzwWSaF_A6V4e7KeE6wHBwZBcmd6hCUMasKaNe1SAi9En-a6T8dUypsFq03pXF_E1nnj2MQ5j69zH4VaMhi5fsnyxhziZi16pDK_3lDHKpTqgPqID8RDHRLoa30CPM1OT3Mo4uZ-EYnH7w_VQVsyq0K9kSoyxCz7y2mxg/s1827/Eleanor%20001%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1827" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0uri7DfLC7v2qawaDe1bWYzwWSaF_A6V4e7KeE6wHBwZBcmd6hCUMasKaNe1SAi9En-a6T8dUypsFq03pXF_E1nnj2MQ5j69zH4VaMhi5fsnyxhziZi16pDK_3lDHKpTqgPqID8RDHRLoa30CPM1OT3Mo4uZ-EYnH7w_VQVsyq0K9kSoyxCz7y2mxg/s320/Eleanor%20001%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Nero (obverse)</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Obverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The front of the coin depicts Nero in profile, facing right
and wearing a crown of spikes known as a radiate crown.<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Tribuncia
Potestate Imperator Pater Patriae</i>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The first five names refer to Nero’s regnal name, used during
his reign and thereafter. <i>Tribunicia Potestate</i> translates to tribune of
the people, and it was the representative of the people in the government. It
is sometimes followed by a number to indicate which term as Tribune the emperor
was serving, but not here. The rest translates to “emperor” and “father of his
country”. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0LCw8Ia0SzmOMqvEwlw3YybzYr6eFh-bjPTmQ2fCFw9RwitAoXCubWqAgBYN6181No9CB7jJUb_WtaytsQtMPEOYRBSs94OpOXi2Mp_YnAfgqz-MH501NdA05q-ZqzDI_PVAxv49YzDEWsW6bZu5F-3aoflj9gmil0TpcShd2DTr980-tQfN-KavKg/s1777/Eleanor%20001%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="1777" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0LCw8Ia0SzmOMqvEwlw3YybzYr6eFh-bjPTmQ2fCFw9RwitAoXCubWqAgBYN6181No9CB7jJUb_WtaytsQtMPEOYRBSs94OpOXi2Mp_YnAfgqz-MH501NdA05q-ZqzDI_PVAxv49YzDEWsW6bZu5F-3aoflj9gmil0TpcShd2DTr980-tQfN-KavKg/s320/Eleanor%20001%20002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dupondius </i>of Nero (reverse)</td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: left;">Reverse:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">On the back is the Macellum Magnum, and a male figure
standing at the top of the steps holding a long sceptre. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A <i>macellum</i> is an indoor food market, often selling
meat, fish and vegetables. The complex was situated on the Caelian Hill in Rome
and was built and dedicated by Nero in 59 CE. The depiction of the Macellum
Magnum is important for two reasons: Firstly, it records in great detail a
monumental building which is now lost to us. Secondly, coins were used by
emperors to disseminate their image throughout the Empire and the depiction of
the Macellum Magnum demonstrates the building’s importance to Nero and promotes
his public programs. <o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Inscription:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>MAC AVG<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">This stands for <i>Maceullum Augusti</i>, which is another
name for the Maceullum Magnum. This reinforces Nero’s dynastic connection to
Emperor Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>S.C. II</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">This means <i>Senatus Consultus</i> and is a term commonly
found on the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3<sup>rd</sup>
century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins, which were issued under imperial
authority, bronze coins were issues under the Senate’s authority.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next week's coin!<br /><br />Eleanor<br />Collections Assistant</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-82845290132900113222021-03-17T11:30:00.005+00:002021-03-17T11:30:03.409+00:00A Story of Swords<p>Few objects from history summarise power and status better than the sword. Throughout the middle ages, swords would be expensive, reserved for the wealthiest members of society, and rare compared to how widely the media portrays them today. By the era we associate with the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings (the 9th to 11th centuries), the skill of sword-smithing had become a fine art, giving swords a near legendary reputation. This example is no exception.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DD4VWHyew4cCsn8snv_Owop2-DfcuNVGURn0N_L5CTqHzJDI0k1bpLVQ9tskchVUI5u73OubNLiihqk8N9i8_g8dZcrjsToKsIaC2Qj4SJbdIiyWnTD_qXMFtCGiYw9geBLwCF6LpvWa/s1620/Fin+002+-+01+-+1980.707.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1620" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DD4VWHyew4cCsn8snv_Owop2-DfcuNVGURn0N_L5CTqHzJDI0k1bpLVQ9tskchVUI5u73OubNLiihqk8N9i8_g8dZcrjsToKsIaC2Qj4SJbdIiyWnTD_qXMFtCGiYw9geBLwCF6LpvWa/w320-h180/Fin+002+-+01+-+1980.707.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Viking sword from Bath</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was discovered in the 1980s, on its own, in a ditch outside Bath’s old city walls. It was allegedly still sharp upon discovery, a testament to the quality craftsmanship involved in making this weapon. The blade itself has a black patina which indicates an early method of protecting swords against corrosion, an issue anyone looking after a sword would have to deal with. </p><p>Interestingly, there were small remains of leather and wood fused with the blade, including the scabbard it was buried in. Organic materials do not survive well in most climates, so this was a lucky find and can provide some indication of how scabbards were made in period.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_zVfEhYZ90nofgjUiuhHRQupwcvs_oOiRNJm2VSKC2lqrneIuYmq63uXN1sa2XVBy_8HI8BpHVkAo4hkWzhHmGRHsj2pnxexpWBQhS4PpFJ_JkHtMFzG4Gs5FtFC-3LCarZdtpXAwaoz/s1053/Fin+002+-+02+-+1980.707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="702" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_zVfEhYZ90nofgjUiuhHRQupwcvs_oOiRNJm2VSKC2lqrneIuYmq63uXN1sa2XVBy_8HI8BpHVkAo4hkWzhHmGRHsj2pnxexpWBQhS4PpFJ_JkHtMFzG4Gs5FtFC-3LCarZdtpXAwaoz/s320/Fin+002+-+02+-+1980.707.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hilt of the sword; traces of the leather originally wrapped around the tang are still visible</td></tr></tbody></table><p>One of the most striking features is the blade inscription. It may look like it has been lifted straight from the pages of Tolkien, but it is one of over a hundred and fifty such examples of inscribed blades from the 9th to 11th century. The most common inscription amongst this group of swords reads ‘the sword of Ulfberht’, which is why these swords are broadly referred to as Ulfberht swords. Other examples do exist, such as ‘the sword of Ingelrii’. </p><p>Surely this is more than just a maker’s mark, perhaps becoming a workshop’s brand as the use of these inscriptions goes on for longer than any individual's lifetime. The runes on this particular blade do not seem to exactly spell ‘Ulfberht’, which could mean it is trying to mimic one of these prestigious blades, or it could just be a spelling error! It is unknown where they originate from, but one popular theory suggests the forge’s location was somewhere along the River Rhine in what is now Germany. To me, it represents how much value swords had in society. It gives a far more complex perspective of power, politics and artistic culture than many other objects from this period can.</p><div>Finlay</div><div>Placement Student</div>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-50607411755028802572021-02-17T11:00:00.005+00:002021-02-17T11:00:04.690+00:00Roman Romance<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">What did the Romans know about love?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Venus took pride of place as the goddess of love, fertility,
and marriage. One of her festivals, <i>Veneralia</i>, was held on April 1st and
encouraged couples to respect ‘traditional’ values of romance. It was also a
chance for people to ask for her help in granting love-related favours!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A37bdHXr7Tmh_FA7W6fG5n2PGuvqxPRbPYGkOBKSEJ-Y1Xg696Ci_kfXZNcMvM4xkwIMsKWGvgx3i21fvRj4-_-G5ubLtpRb_ThCuytIcm0WNxYtw7HS3aiLF3TSI6qXXf4RJ-Lyycbq/s2048/BATRM1980.380+J+Domna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A37bdHXr7Tmh_FA7W6fG5n2PGuvqxPRbPYGkOBKSEJ-Y1Xg696Ci_kfXZNcMvM4xkwIMsKWGvgx3i21fvRj4-_-G5ubLtpRb_ThCuytIcm0WNxYtw7HS3aiLF3TSI6qXXf4RJ-Lyycbq/s320/BATRM1980.380+J+Domna.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denarius </i>of Julia Domna depicting Venus on the reverse</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cupid is the next divine figure best linked with love in the
Roman world. Cupid is likely the Romanised version of Eros, a key figure of
Greek mythology. The fable of Cupid and Psyche is laced with the bizarre and
fantastical; including Psyche receiving assistance from some ants that help her
sort grain into piles during Venus’s trials to regain Cupid’s love. It shows no
matter how weird, even amongst the gods love is never far from the Roman
imagination.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iu9-h4tHQQevz9FCJu0If5Jq46vQ4kZGX4fai_iPmfjQmS00Nlo4ZF4t1-uAA9RW9YN76HZuFTvEZsGviYQl2nHDWjyfFpO_TOerGnjEi4h_6SeBn1kvDEtxfNIcjTmE4gzqRKbCY905/s600/BATRM1983.14.d.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iu9-h4tHQQevz9FCJu0If5Jq46vQ4kZGX4fai_iPmfjQmS00Nlo4ZF4t1-uAA9RW9YN76HZuFTvEZsGviYQl2nHDWjyfFpO_TOerGnjEi4h_6SeBn1kvDEtxfNIcjTmE4gzqRKbCY905/s320/BATRM1983.14.d.7.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman <i>intaglio</i> depicting Cupid, discovered at the Roman Baths</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What did the real people of Rome say about love in their
lives? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ‘ideal’ marriage occupied the hearts and minds of Romans in everyday
life. Marriages were generally arranged by the </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">paterfamilias</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (Father of
the household). In upper-class society, marriage was commonly focused on
alliance-forging, dowry exchange, or property gain, and romance is presented as
an afterthought. It is easy to look at Roman marriages as cold, political, and
calculated. Which, in fairness, is not wrong in some cases.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How reflective of wider Roman society is this? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether it is
the controversial Ovid, the amorous Catullus or the elusive Gallus, love poetry
is a valuable insight into a far more general perspective of romance. Read them
with a large pinch of salt because little is without agenda or exaggeration in
Rome. These poems show love in all its colours, the good, the bad, and the
peculiar. It is endearing to see that even two thousand years ago, love was
still everything it is to us today.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Finlay<br />Placement student</p>The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-86524404531720931842020-05-27T11:00:00.000+01:002020-05-27T11:00:02.369+01:00Leading you through the History of Lead<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lead has been known to man since c.7000 BC in Western Asia and it was utilised by the Ancient Egyptians and Chinese. It is still prevalent in modern society. Despite its early discovery, it was not until the Roman period that lead truly became widespread. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8twAhyphenhyphenQHhZV4n2bsSLWWipIUxpWDflVCZLyPUVS3wz8YhFybwbArkS1woi7GCG3dElT51COxj1udsihufRH6oxJ11XDueeijS-JZUVsrZBvwu63NZiXTV8um4ubbHPWXc2CrTMprwi-3S/s1600/Amy+001+-+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8twAhyphenhyphenQHhZV4n2bsSLWWipIUxpWDflVCZLyPUVS3wz8YhFybwbArkS1woi7GCG3dElT51COxj1udsihufRH6oxJ11XDueeijS-JZUVsrZBvwu63NZiXTV8um4ubbHPWXc2CrTMprwi-3S/s320/Amy+001+-+01.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amy leading you through the history of lead</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">‘Lead was to Romans what plastic is to us.’ (H.Eschnaver & M.Stoeppler, <i>Wine – An Enological Specimen Bank</i>, 1992) </span></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This statement perfectly highlights the extensive and reliant use of lead by the Romans. It has a low melting point which creates an easy and cheap resource to utilise; it was desirable. In the written texts of the period and from archaeology we have distinguished that lead was used from plumbing to makeup and cookware – to name a few. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL5X8mpnjsaLRmAaCwBEo_6dMPP2RSbQYmH4PcH9nefOJ0rXiHtJidNlxzWEXJ1jI8p369-pPZV1B_3yIdCMt8YN-mfgwt-zEZbTYWICmZILWe1fKXcHVwd71U9KNTBBYKrZl90q0fLQO/s1600/Amy+001+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL5X8mpnjsaLRmAaCwBEo_6dMPP2RSbQYmH4PcH9nefOJ0rXiHtJidNlxzWEXJ1jI8p369-pPZV1B_3yIdCMt8YN-mfgwt-zEZbTYWICmZILWe1fKXcHVwd71U9KNTBBYKrZl90q0fLQO/s320/Amy+001+-+02.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roman pewter vessel discovered in the Spring</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Surely the Romans didn’t know it was poisonous if they utilised it so much? Incredibly, they did know. Cato the Elder (3<sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">rd</span></sup>-2<sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">nd</span></sup> BC) recommended the use of lead lined/coated vessels for food preparation as well adding it to wine and food as a sweetener and preservative. It leaves a sweet taste because of the formation of ‘sugar of lead’. Even though Vitruvius (1<sup><span style="font-size: 7pt;">st</span></sup> BC) reported the dangers of lead, it was continually utilised. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4n0YRPPtOY7BiqzrnBexwq_TKrW4C4oEuCEa3gEyxlaaruYSwvdeCoEUS2VkQF61gTHRtHEHoG7yIL5dMzEfsaTw4x336Dglphz1LcjsQzmUm6iuURpW3X8nDwup30X7umXTI9CGmG9k/s1600/Amy+001+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="607" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4n0YRPPtOY7BiqzrnBexwq_TKrW4C4oEuCEa3gEyxlaaruYSwvdeCoEUS2VkQF61gTHRtHEHoG7yIL5dMzEfsaTw4x336Dglphz1LcjsQzmUm6iuURpW3X8nDwup30X7umXTI9CGmG9k/s320/Amy+001+-+03.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roman curse tablet describing the theft of a bracelet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
One of my favourite uses of lead at the Roman Baths, are the curse tablets. Many curse tablets have been recovered from the Sacred Spring. These were small sheets of lead with inscriptions of names or wrongdoings, offered to the goddess Sulis Minerva. The weight of the lead would guarantee the curse would sink down in the water to reach the goddess, and it was cheap enough for most people to buy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGWpNYewekkb1YHcKyOf97UluQObzInzFV-ZLAZ5oqxtgkHPgmVI7GYkbn0ySI9PkGgg_7XRHK7oYgmLn-50_03SzbY1bk4eQTgPMvMPLZ28BmS8ZOOpr4elwZk1hIB1xF5Ua2SCLuR2u/s1600/Amy+001+-+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGWpNYewekkb1YHcKyOf97UluQObzInzFV-ZLAZ5oqxtgkHPgmVI7GYkbn0ySI9PkGgg_7XRHK7oYgmLn-50_03SzbY1bk4eQTgPMvMPLZ28BmS8ZOOpr4elwZk1hIB1xF5Ua2SCLuR2u/s320/Amy+001+-+04.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Papal bulla of Pope Joh XXII</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The popularity of lead continued into the Medieval period. Some of its uses were: window came fragments, paint and alchemy. Some continued uses were weights, piping, and drink sweetening. One of the most interesting artefacts found in the Bath area is a lead bulla, a seal made of metal that would have been attached to a Papal Bull. On one side are the images of Saints Peter and Paul, on the other is the Pope’s name, Pope John XXII.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We move into the Post-Medieval period through to the modern day. Uses ranged from game pieces to paint, sweetener, and gasoline. Lead was still very prevalent in the 1600s-1800s and many people recorded poisoning from repeated exposure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBv0dwqTQOamKZheKkmwOUbl3LNCd2cLuPlsnosrp2TWRCCw-awzyxuvvKO8rxjsnesy3tFKJaJBYDh1CBqFIrUn-xYu9zgXC4ODknv1k3Yvq-P5tUTRfd5KvenL8z2CcRNJdwtDWPaHn/s1600/Amy+001+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBv0dwqTQOamKZheKkmwOUbl3LNCd2cLuPlsnosrp2TWRCCw-awzyxuvvKO8rxjsnesy3tFKJaJBYDh1CBqFIrUn-xYu9zgXC4ODknv1k3Yvq-P5tUTRfd5KvenL8z2CcRNJdwtDWPaHn/s320/Amy+001+-+05.jpg" width="319" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lead crystal glass (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lead was still utilised to make vessels, yet rather than for its sweetness, it was used to compose crystal glass. First used in the 1600s, this is a variety of glass where lead replaces the calcium. This process makes it easier to melt and improved the appearance with clarity and ease of decoration. Likewise, lead is often still used in the home through piping and paint, despite laws against such use in the 1970s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Millenia after the Romans began to use it, lead is still considered practical despite its poisonous properties. How long will it endure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amy</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Collections Volunteer</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-69747927271744702552020-05-20T11:00:00.000+01:002020-05-20T11:00:05.102+01:00The Healing Waters of Bath<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEOhYYyFl9norbTeUkevpenvyMb2VzxxqLShVLwHjOj2KlP1rjvJu_7W5jZEvLsnwa6RRnfLdJPSH221PcqCon1mJm14xGidI1phT2SXDHUnz1xSE6-z0MH1LFOls4vEi24RKo6KZ8Mcy/s1600/Caitlin+001+-+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEOhYYyFl9norbTeUkevpenvyMb2VzxxqLShVLwHjOj2KlP1rjvJu_7W5jZEvLsnwa6RRnfLdJPSH221PcqCon1mJm14xGidI1phT2SXDHUnz1xSE6-z0MH1LFOls4vEi24RKo6KZ8Mcy/s320/Caitlin+001+-+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlin presents the healing waters of Bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The hot
springs at Bath have long been considered to heal the sick. The Romans mainly
used baths for leisure, but several writers, such as Pliny the Elder,
Asclepiades and Celsus, talked about the therapeutic benefits.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Britain,
for about 1500 years the belief was that the hot water balanced the humours,
which would make you healthy again. As the minerals gave it a dry taste and
immersion made you urinate more, hot baths were considered hot/dry, which is
odd, as you would think a hot bath would be hot/wet!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNxGkwhUrzN4d9X_RAu6gzSeQxlVWrW3Q23BdSSsXei0qUfPycKhdjIkbczIgrhcXBUwmtEyJFNwmvsT0EobEzOr0qs60GXnveBdvkK0CgCHQaH4GeHy47JKW4k8Z8X69leEy1-teyEwO/s1600/Caitlin+001+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNxGkwhUrzN4d9X_RAu6gzSeQxlVWrW3Q23BdSSsXei0qUfPycKhdjIkbczIgrhcXBUwmtEyJFNwmvsT0EobEzOr0qs60GXnveBdvkK0CgCHQaH4GeHy47JKW4k8Z8X69leEy1-teyEwO/s320/Caitlin+001+-+02.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four humours and their interactions</td></tr>
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By the
medieval period, the Church was against bathing, calling it a luxury. It considered
the Roman baths to be immoral, so many baths fell into disrepair. Later, the
Church condoned the use of bathing for healing/spiritual purification, and so
in the 1100s the Kings Baths were built on the sacred spring by the Bishop of
Bath at the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the Baths
became more and more popular, there were even some royal visitors such as King
Charles I in the 1600s and Queen Anne in 1702 and 1703. By the Georgian period,
people began to drink the water instead of bathing with the crowds. In 1706,
the Pump Room was built for those who wished to drink the water, rather than
bathe in it. Drinking the water became much more popular and trendier so the
Pump Room was expanded in 1795.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagHxFB-VsR6sdj8vILr2l4ae1DMiYOEYgDPynfkNIvIrOXnTYzjLMDkJJJiSxOCt6c_T8kS00yhZ1VkDVbXdMGUhbfn9sFgVpvJvTJqvRT-uRA3we0SjE_YKIhRyAycBD3pK9CM41RkKA/s1600/Caitlin+001+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1033" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagHxFB-VsR6sdj8vILr2l4ae1DMiYOEYgDPynfkNIvIrOXnTYzjLMDkJJJiSxOCt6c_T8kS00yhZ1VkDVbXdMGUhbfn9sFgVpvJvTJqvRT-uRA3we0SjE_YKIhRyAycBD3pK9CM41RkKA/s320/Caitlin+001+-+03.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass bottle for "NOTED BATH WATERS, 1894"</td></tr>
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With more
competition from other spa towns, like Tunbridge Wells and Leamington Spa, in
Britain, new treatments were on offer at the Spa Treatment Centre in Bath, such
as electrotherapy and needle douches. These new treatments boosted visitors,
and by the 1890s, 100,000 people had visited the baths. It was also during this
period that the remains of the Roman baths were revealed, although evidence of
a Roman Bath house in the area had been known since 1755.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEvuncTtR33ZTUlms3x3zBo32gHhZEBvcKMJoPch0sPiLpnLi_bI22HqQB5H7E8IaeTHCgeSArjPFx8HEh2DysNKJnJc5DaJ4JGrgwCajpb1-23AbUNcA6VAyJ7TNMx6lLmmrcm_gDIFg/s1600/Caitlin+001+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEvuncTtR33ZTUlms3x3zBo32gHhZEBvcKMJoPch0sPiLpnLi_bI22HqQB5H7E8IaeTHCgeSArjPFx8HEh2DysNKJnJc5DaJ4JGrgwCajpb1-23AbUNcA6VAyJ7TNMx6lLmmrcm_gDIFg/s320/Caitlin+001+-+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa treatment photographs. L: Man standing in needle douche; R: Man being lowered into the Hot Bath</td></tr>
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The
beginning of the 20<sup>th</sup> century brought new treatment innovations with
the discovery of radon and radiotherapy, which helped keep the Spa Treatment
Centre visitors numbers high. However, after the Second World War, visitor
numbers declined due to fewer people travelling for leisure, and in 1948, treatment
centre was under the control of the NHS. Treatments soon were only available to
those with a prescription, and then in 1978 the Bath treatment centres were
shut after spa treatment therapy was dismissed by orthodox medicine.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<div>
Caitlin</div>
<div>
Collections Volunteer</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-22476034744716289482020-04-22T11:00:00.000+01:002020-04-22T11:00:02.033+01:00Ore-some MetalworkThe Roman Baths collection is full of amazing metalwork. In Roman and Iron Age Britain, lead, tin, copper and iron were mined and used for everything from tools to religious items.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlNIG8QlOo4He4tmaUUGVTSUPMv2N5JKrAdTDqAGo1AoojN5OPzvxlnJWGwPo0qanT2EESqeyQdF1Iad7mey5wgJIWZGa1NuP20yE8qWns-7OroosS8XVsguzJIrym35_ne4zyvJF4drn/s1600/Ellie+S+001+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlNIG8QlOo4He4tmaUUGVTSUPMv2N5JKrAdTDqAGo1AoojN5OPzvxlnJWGwPo0qanT2EESqeyQdF1Iad7mey5wgJIWZGa1NuP20yE8qWns-7OroosS8XVsguzJIrym35_ne4zyvJF4drn/s320/Ellie+S+001+-+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Investigating an Iron Age coin at the Roman Baths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Imperial lead from the nearby Mendip Hills had several different uses at the Roman Baths. This malleable, waterproof metal was frequently used for plumbing — a word which actually comes from the Latin for lead: plumbum. Even now, the floor of the Great Bath is lined with Roman lead, which is still watertight after two thousand years!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SvGAFBaOOz8ZjpPh13upfyxxnIYZsge_8dI8SEbte-yZQ5ZbCNTJDIOZv8SyL5Gd95Dv8OpSk99Y7W2Gi0tixurX8D6ugpReBTH-4eB50OAY0D4MpEWWrh5hGLgqCTl8inQRUcKFJPNb/s1600/Ellie+S+001+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SvGAFBaOOz8ZjpPh13upfyxxnIYZsge_8dI8SEbte-yZQ5ZbCNTJDIOZv8SyL5Gd95Dv8OpSk99Y7W2Gi0tixurX8D6ugpReBTH-4eB50OAY0D4MpEWWrh5hGLgqCTl8inQRUcKFJPNb/s320/Ellie+S+001+-+02.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lead lining of the Great Bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lead could also be alloyed with tin (mined in Cornwall) to make pewter. Over 100 pewter curse tablets have been discovered at the Roman Baths, written and thrown into the Sacred Spring by victims of theft asking Sulis Minerva to punish the culprit. Pewter food and drink vessels were also tossed into the Spring as tribute for the goddess. Although these had a religious purpose, the Romans also stored wine in lead alloy vessels like these because it gave the wine a sweeter taste!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEhce2OlVea-m6J602Hxz-ht1p8KbX6_7APaUHjFtMjU-bFPwhw-5y8ATjti6jUaN7I_8WZhcl0c9bnjld-PrqplENeaWfIlK0QnkIh-rDnvyOjS0mK1k5ccE0quplNbIV8yWGROif3ub/s1600/Ellie+S+001+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="641" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEhce2OlVea-m6J602Hxz-ht1p8KbX6_7APaUHjFtMjU-bFPwhw-5y8ATjti6jUaN7I_8WZhcl0c9bnjld-PrqplENeaWfIlK0QnkIh-rDnvyOjS0mK1k5ccE0quplNbIV8yWGROif3ub/s320/Ellie+S+001+-+03.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman pewter vessel discovered in the Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of the curses is made from tin alone, and is an unusual circular shape. Perhaps it was once worn as a pendant before being thrown into the Spring, inscribed with a list of Celtic names.<br />
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Tin could also be alloyed with copper to make bronze. Copper was mined in Derbyshire and the Lake District. Since copper products are attractive and resistant to erosion, copper alloys were often used for delicate decorative items. My favourite example is the tiny bronze eagle figurine, once possibly attached to a vessel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt_FGsO34j46y_kbYCvTTZRSQ3JkPLodA9wUmjfGKyXEeBGYzueeycnP_owlgZYPaRmEb3SKUQ5Y9v_-UVU6UqL8PspRbZ-p4_QjpwJvqiWgN103LhO2EBt7On8UTDOe_IFZoWIduQg7c/s1600/Ellie+S+001+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt_FGsO34j46y_kbYCvTTZRSQ3JkPLodA9wUmjfGKyXEeBGYzueeycnP_owlgZYPaRmEb3SKUQ5Y9v_-UVU6UqL8PspRbZ-p4_QjpwJvqiWgN103LhO2EBt7On8UTDOe_IFZoWIduQg7c/s320/Ellie+S+001+-+04.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper alloy Roman eagle figurine </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Bronze and silver were used for coinage both before and after the Roman invasion of Britain. Iron Age coins were usually inscribed with pellets, crescents and lines, often making up the image of a head or triple-tailed horse. The Romans sometimes used orichalcum — an alloy of copper and zinc — in their coinage, too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqwbNxYDwvZfIVNcvPpJVMnpqS-wRGE3sZFyjfyYESsi_8sBuN6rdHiZUVxDTK0u6tQhfdwYajnu06mwuALc6xbk_YldDXquCzm7cQ6dzrF_Bp6jZ75CnYCR0V1fASsUnAvU30y3JvKaS/s1600/Ellie+S+001+-+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqwbNxYDwvZfIVNcvPpJVMnpqS-wRGE3sZFyjfyYESsi_8sBuN6rdHiZUVxDTK0u6tQhfdwYajnu06mwuALc6xbk_YldDXquCzm7cQ6dzrF_Bp6jZ75CnYCR0V1fASsUnAvU30y3JvKaS/s320/Ellie+S+001+-+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Age coin showing stylised face on obverse and horse on reverse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Less attractive than copper, iron was used for more practical purposes. Iron ox shoes have been discovered in the farmlands north of Bath, and iron styluses were used for writing on wax tablets. Iron was mined in the wooded areas of the Forest of Dean and the Weald, where trees provided fuel for the charcoal smelting facilities.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnP_Yw5Qz0ggKHohEM50WUUthcuGM1mtDJAP-8VmvZ2Q88HT_odpvBGiFZkPg9omM3DzAMI8lwGAmp1mz4YJFa4RiEjr4tb3HAXhmmp-BhFr5Ri2jrsscAiV-1Gm6CtWXe5L28cHJjI3Hi/s1600/Ellie+S+001+-+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnP_Yw5Qz0ggKHohEM50WUUthcuGM1mtDJAP-8VmvZ2Q88HT_odpvBGiFZkPg9omM3DzAMI8lwGAmp1mz4YJFa4RiEjr4tb3HAXhmmp-BhFr5Ri2jrsscAiV-1Gm6CtWXe5L28cHJjI3Hi/s320/Ellie+S+001+-+06.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman iron axe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unfortunately, the acids and residues on our fingers cause metals to corrode, so they usually can’t be handled! However, we can still admire this ore-some metalwork from afar.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ellie</div>
<div>
Collections Volunteer</div>
The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-16660407945009756302020-04-15T11:00:00.000+01:002020-04-21T12:17:35.509+01:00Baking Roman Bread<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-abjIpG-RXXM8Pd9mcFVJjW9mGOv9bxDLb01FQlEWcK_CsIX6TvN4AP_yjXYfcsqttUddkAu9kVXp7R0MXrP2ztXmFs_A0E0PYjn7zxKqkxtRx84xsEGlcrrJHtA8j29rPe4KwmC6HRuF/s1600/Laura+O+001+-+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-abjIpG-RXXM8Pd9mcFVJjW9mGOv9bxDLb01FQlEWcK_CsIX6TvN4AP_yjXYfcsqttUddkAu9kVXp7R0MXrP2ztXmFs_A0E0PYjn7zxKqkxtRx84xsEGlcrrJHtA8j29rPe4KwmC6HRuF/s320/Laura+O+001+-+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn about Roman bread with Laura!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“<i>Two
things only the people desire: bread, and the circus games.</i>” Juvenal<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever baked your own bread? Maybe. Ground your own
flour by hand? Less likely. Why not use the current situation and improve your
skills, learn something new and connect to the past. Bread has been a
staple food in many parts around the globe for thousands of years. The same
goes for the Romans who indeed seem to have been quite fond of bread, but how do
we actually know this?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only do we have recipe books and letters about diets
but also architectural remains of granaries and baker shops as well as environmental
samples from archaeological excavations that can be analysed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
While milling became more industrial when the Romans arrived in
Britain – a large army and urban population needs to be fed – many households
would grind their own flour to make their daily bread. Around Bath, we have
found rotary hand querns that were used for that task. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixwDrfJfjQwf2aMLAJrqYcmvK5RmN_S3F8EO9UHOTCVmYF7m-D0FpWjcwlHK1r3buCY97kaphNpe9eNH4uQwjFTK8wzO0Gfevozmlf7byOBPxjQ40Q2Opm1tnOkfgtaFKtBl1PDssBZWM/s1600/Laura+O+001+-+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixwDrfJfjQwf2aMLAJrqYcmvK5RmN_S3F8EO9UHOTCVmYF7m-D0FpWjcwlHK1r3buCY97kaphNpe9eNH4uQwjFTK8wzO0Gfevozmlf7byOBPxjQ40Q2Opm1tnOkfgtaFKtBl1PDssBZWM/s320/Laura+O+001+-+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Roman rotary quern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">While this was more effective than pestle and mortar, it was still a strenuous
hours-long task. No milling means no flour. No flour means no bread. And no
bread could mean starvation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bread has been staple food for so long because it is a
sufficient source of energy. Flour contains starch which is broken down by
enzymes into glucose. During digestions this ultimately results in our bodies
being fuelled up to do what we love to do. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVRdn59RF92cP6rTKRAb2uvOjAQ9m4_6ytolP4M1jmnHehGTnclxp08P2kAscPQ7PXEcisgDNUuQSu8JOk2xSL-xZet_hgIho3BFbkQGyG2SDaiEIrIeLT4et_awDGbqWVGxn_y2QPNYI/s1600/Laura+O+001+-+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVRdn59RF92cP6rTKRAb2uvOjAQ9m4_6ytolP4M1jmnHehGTnclxp08P2kAscPQ7PXEcisgDNUuQSu8JOk2xSL-xZet_hgIho3BFbkQGyG2SDaiEIrIeLT4et_awDGbqWVGxn_y2QPNYI/s320/Laura+O+001+-+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking Roman bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Have you ever wondered what makes
bread rise though? Essentially, glucose is transformed into carbon dioxide
(gas) which, trapped in the gluten network, expands and causes the dough to
rise. If you feel like experimenting a bit, fill a glass half full with some
warm water, add a spoon of caster sugar and a spoon of yeast. Stir, wait and
watch what happens in the next hour.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Romans in fact made many different kinds of bread,
leavened and unleavened. They seemed to have been very fond of spices as well.
Coriander or poppy seeds were particularly popular with bread. A commonly used
grain was spelt. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why not have a go with this recipe?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEmZlpbp3Wx-FcYq7W7R8Q-SFlLWOuxx3nbU_KYR5BNiZXalN92tysWpfymWBO96nCRXjkxFQcCuAaatOJPPj0Bo-ypXm_HamL488zjwKY4ubRkvMnEqqCp8H4he8T3ZAMtNtAglN-eie/s1600/Laura+O+001+-+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEmZlpbp3Wx-FcYq7W7R8Q-SFlLWOuxx3nbU_KYR5BNiZXalN92tysWpfymWBO96nCRXjkxFQcCuAaatOJPPj0Bo-ypXm_HamL488zjwKY4ubRkvMnEqqCp8H4he8T3ZAMtNtAglN-eie/s320/Laura+O+001+-+004.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make your own Roman bread at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="WordSection2">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Spelt Bread Recipe</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">500g of spelt flour<br />
300ml of warm water<br />
7-10g of salt<br />
~7g of quick action yeast</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Method</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, then add the
water and knead the dough well for at least 5 minutes.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cover the bowl and leave to rise in a warm place for 1-2
hours, until the dough has doubled in size.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and leave to rise
again.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C Fan), flour a casserole or
loaf pan (make sure it is fit for oven use!) and put the dough into it.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake in the oven for 40 – 50 minutes. (If baking in dish
with a lid, leave the lid on for the first half, then remove for the second
half).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bread is ready when it sounds hollow. Leave to cool
down before removing it from the dish.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can vary this recipe by mixing in honey, olive oil,
herbs, seeds, dried fruits or chopped nuts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bon Appetit!</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Laura Opel</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Learning & Programmes Placement<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-60962724277548476812020-02-05T11:00:00.000+00:002020-02-05T11:00:02.468+00:00An Alphabet of Objects: C is for Clay<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Sun Lounge next to the Pump Room is a display called ‘A-Z’
showing objects from the Roman Baths’ vast collections. Now the display has
changed from <a href="https://bathsbloggers.blogspot.com/2019/11/an-alphabet-of-objects-b-is-for-bottles_13.html" target="_blank">B for bottles</a> to C… for clay!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_xv6NrNmAQ6StxDlNkn_QphGo16n-gjwGARdjnQ1fOTQ3UzLbXhYgrJh_B9L0O3al-qxQqDCG9pS0WWpAN3raDCMdPvCAB1N2vWZjUHgdoRSpFfWwz-dlxiAn9V6mLFvlnJfJdMhEUno/s1600/Kata+001+-+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_xv6NrNmAQ6StxDlNkn_QphGo16n-gjwGARdjnQ1fOTQ3UzLbXhYgrJh_B9L0O3al-qxQqDCG9pS0WWpAN3raDCMdPvCAB1N2vWZjUHgdoRSpFfWwz-dlxiAn9V6mLFvlnJfJdMhEUno/s320/Kata+001+-+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katarina installing the new display in the Sun Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The theme ‘clay’ covers many millennia and areas, as its use
has developed over time dependent on peoples’ changing needs. As I found out
when creating the display, clay objects can be used as a gateway to many
different stories about human progress!<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijOT-Nxm2X6VWd0U0_24NEe03uetzkw2PJogMzPPnAgdI4WxKUVuGnIy27PC7Lf3fl5ctxLxwGj1T2UO0YSzuSTpSY3DJ9lEYqIPDhYgGCstY3fnYOOMA9c1vTRlDNe1FJfH6y7fjsJzc/s1600/Kata+001+-+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijOT-Nxm2X6VWd0U0_24NEe03uetzkw2PJogMzPPnAgdI4WxKUVuGnIy27PC7Lf3fl5ctxLxwGj1T2UO0YSzuSTpSY3DJ9lEYqIPDhYgGCstY3fnYOOMA9c1vTRlDNe1FJfH6y7fjsJzc/s320/Kata+001+-+02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman cheese press</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The object on the second highest step, is a Roman cheese
press. It is possible that cheese was first discovered by accident, when milk
transported in sheep, goat or cow stomachs, curdled due to the presence of the
rennet-enzyme in the stomachs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Over time, cheese production changed. In the beginning, the cheese was soft and
would spoil rather quickly. However, by using a cheese press made from clay, it
was possible to drain more liquid from the cheese. This produced a harder
product that lasted longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gATz5tHQ5nMNYvsGSkZmetfPag5sMQHw7D9Izy2_FJ3mhtbxa0w-l_KKZGto4ZOFZT6krFWvyLlzgc_izB-Q8Fk3eNheWDfofFCwqueil6tRd-FQ3duBRMKMUFRdVBIR3DgzbqyTNicT/s1600/Kata+001+-+03+2008.37.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gATz5tHQ5nMNYvsGSkZmetfPag5sMQHw7D9Izy2_FJ3mhtbxa0w-l_KKZGto4ZOFZT6krFWvyLlzgc_izB-Q8Fk3eNheWDfofFCwqueil6tRd-FQ3duBRMKMUFRdVBIR3DgzbqyTNicT/s320/Kata+001+-+03+2008.37.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman brick with a dog's paw print impressions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, it is a brick placed on the second lowest step! In the Roman
period, bricks were made by shaping the clay, leaving them to dry, and firing
them at 1000 <span style="font-family: Symbol;">°</span>C.
However, this brick is also part of the story about dog domestication, as while the clay was drying a dog walked over it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While
this topic is widely debated, most scientists believe it happened around 20,000
to 40,000 years ago. How this happened is also a mystery. Some believe it was
the result of a mutual need between hunters and wolves. Others believe that
some wolves developed ‘cuter’ features over time, allowing them access to human
food supplies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0EG7oZWwhTn7BkQrnd3o8BqBS28dF0kvdq6387evYpwNnGeUoI07u7lBxXYRQSiuTWFFjvCZlvAwO-llh8U_CLe_u1fLEFhZ3PQmJqdyt8fhAAkJ_WYKtPtfujx4akEFflDhAdjVWO3R/s1600/Kata+001+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0EG7oZWwhTn7BkQrnd3o8BqBS28dF0kvdq6387evYpwNnGeUoI07u7lBxXYRQSiuTWFFjvCZlvAwO-llh8U_CLe_u1fLEFhZ3PQmJqdyt8fhAAkJ_WYKtPtfujx4akEFflDhAdjVWO3R/s320/Kata+001+-+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C is for Clay, on display in the Sun Lounge at the Roman Baths and Pump Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most modern objects in this display are the clay pipes on
the lowest step, dating from 1645 to 1900. Clay pipes were cheap and easy to produce
but fragile, making them a common find in archaeological excavations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Due to
rapidly changing fashions, clay pipes are easily dated by their style, shape
and size. The pipes on display are placed chronologically, with the oldest at
the top.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The A-Z display is free to see in the Sun Lounge during
opening hours. Stay tuned for updates as we work our way through the alphabet! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katarina<br />
Volunteer, Collections department. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-74575364404992161972020-01-22T10:00:00.000+00:002020-01-22T10:00:04.717+00:00Miss Garraway's Lantern Slides<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
As part of
my volunteering in the collections department, I was given the opportunity to
write a blog about any artefact in the Roman Baths collection. Although I was
initially overwhelmed by the choice of interesting objects, I soon came across
an intriguing collection of 7 lantern slides featuring the palace of Versailles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Lantern slides are photos printed onto glass and projected using light. They
have been around for hundreds of years, and before photography was discovered
they were made by hand painting an image onto glass. These slides were donated
to the Roman Baths in 1989 by a Miss Garraway.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7RYrEex5F8kyOlxQh28sTk-xgVwLv3FUxbn2TH-4RAGD8TzSvQEzWPJvg4QRolJMqRkJXgvvaMJDoxKeJeqx99fW_W_2Y8SPLd3OSDOLqL6hap5iUI3NFv-eN7Pj9LSb9K-dw7y3x8EC/s1600/BATRM+1989.176.9.1+la+salon+de+guerre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7RYrEex5F8kyOlxQh28sTk-xgVwLv3FUxbn2TH-4RAGD8TzSvQEzWPJvg4QRolJMqRkJXgvvaMJDoxKeJeqx99fW_W_2Y8SPLd3OSDOLqL6hap5iUI3NFv-eN7Pj9LSb9K-dw7y3x8EC/s320/BATRM+1989.176.9.1+la+salon+de+guerre.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lantern slide of <i>La salon de guerre </i>at Versailles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b>The photos were
taken by a French photographer called Adolphe Braun, who used contemporary
methods to market his pictures worldwide. Some of Braun’s Versailles lantern
slides were taken in an area of the estate called <i>Le Petit Trianon</i>, like the photo of <i>l</i>e<i> temple d’amour</i> (the
love monument).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Le Petit Trianon </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">was given to Marie Antoinette in 1774
when she married Louis XVI of France. It already included a small castle
surrounded by gardens that Louis XV had been developing since the 1750s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfpI-BXOFscp_UwtfTmrNTTxY8hRrSGDWv1nH_gTL1tNqOVibCezSTqqKf8VhlzN4BPDup7MKAL2m47z6N5U1CIUFQg7OZ1vtmsAd4nhDf_lT6O55Et4jDR-8ugYfJw4K70fuMN4T68Ta/s1600/BATRM+1989.176.9.2+le+temple+d%2527amour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfpI-BXOFscp_UwtfTmrNTTxY8hRrSGDWv1nH_gTL1tNqOVibCezSTqqKf8VhlzN4BPDup7MKAL2m47z6N5U1CIUFQg7OZ1vtmsAd4nhDf_lT6O55Et4jDR-8ugYfJw4K70fuMN4T68Ta/s320/BATRM+1989.176.9.2+le+temple+d%2527amour.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lantern slide of <i>le temple d'amour</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Marie
Antoinette dramatically changed the gardens of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Le Petit Trianon</i>, commissioning the architect Richard Mique to
redesign them to her taste. She was</span> responsible for the addition of the Love monument as well as
The Queen’s Hamlet, a small village of 10 buildings that included a working
farm and dairy. It is widely believed that the Queen would amuse herself by
pretending to be a farmer here, but really the Hamlet was used for hosting
guests and educating the royal children. Unfortunately, there is not a photo of
the Hamlet in Miss Garraway’s collection, although I did find a Braun photo of
the Hamlet online.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Miss
Garraway donated lots of items to the museum in 1989, including an Egyptian mud
brick, a flint arrowhead and a total of 120 glass lantern slides. On a trip to
the <a href="https://www.batharchives.co.uk/" target="_blank">Record Office</a>, we found that the collection had belonged to her father, who
was headmaster at St. Saviour’s school.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31ThJ6IzyWLRRHr94DBV_ixMK3OPTcFi7MY3XK3rlgW5MwhLcUZbyHKil9VzlGgLxmbJFGZ6c75vshoE8AhM6BUanRkjooOYyb4eKD2DfRtDxhUnJVMg-rGl-Bc9QceTOcFMXYaocXJS/s1600/mr+Garraway+Bath+Chronicle+article+1947.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31ThJ6IzyWLRRHr94DBV_ixMK3OPTcFi7MY3XK3rlgW5MwhLcUZbyHKil9VzlGgLxmbJFGZ6c75vshoE8AhM6BUanRkjooOYyb4eKD2DfRtDxhUnJVMg-rGl-Bc9QceTOcFMXYaocXJS/s320/mr+Garraway+Bath+Chronicle+article+1947.tif" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bath Chronicle article about Mr Garraway, 1st November 1947</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">It is still unclear why these
artefacts were in his possession. </span>It is
possible that he used these items in his school to help educate children. The
fact that the photographer Braun was known for using contemporary methods to
market his pictures worldwide does explain how the Garraways were able to
access these photos.</div>
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Ella</div>
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Volunteer</div>
The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-52947045834734154562020-01-02T15:02:00.000+00:002020-01-02T15:02:37.412+00:00Happy New Year!<br />
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2019 has been a busy year, with the <a href="https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/archway-project" target="_blank">Archway Project</a> in full
swing, <a href="http://bathsbloggers.blogspot.com/2019/04/a-is-for-alphabets.html" target="_blank">new displays</a> in the Sun Lounge, lots of wonderful events, and a huge update to our Collections
Management database. Our amazing team of placements and volunteers helped to create over
3500 new records on the database, and 6400 were records altered or
updated!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHSg6TMRajWnWE7wyfzrZWWItC9uRdTjBvcMSPlcG25Ds93ON4sdZxWwyp0OBxOYgwKGJc_B6EvmBgzZbutqw939XHy7tseA_QvbK01cGQz9suWcJYcvqAfP5QyVApclOTHgW9jZVGp2X/s1600/Zosia+006+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHSg6TMRajWnWE7wyfzrZWWItC9uRdTjBvcMSPlcG25Ds93ON4sdZxWwyp0OBxOYgwKGJc_B6EvmBgzZbutqw939XHy7tseA_QvbK01cGQz9suWcJYcvqAfP5QyVApclOTHgW9jZVGp2X/s320/Zosia+006+-+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imogen explains animal bones in archaeology</td></tr>
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Imogen spent most of 2019 on a placement with the Collections team, all the way
from Australia! She helped us to care for the collection, catalogue archives, and
created a fantastic new display of medieval objects in Keynsham Civic Centre.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTis9PcCy120lUVFaiZHq6keyeg87Dm1RrjAC8GMqON9XEEGUx8qB9W-oeTDc9RrAO4eaPXR7aEr3012SLGKfpBOvMeqytLeulOI2sxmbmonOIi1w63euP3yKyqyQDPrmJFBa3uLjWGTuB/s1600/Zosia+006+-+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTis9PcCy120lUVFaiZHq6keyeg87Dm1RrjAC8GMqON9XEEGUx8qB9W-oeTDc9RrAO4eaPXR7aEr3012SLGKfpBOvMeqytLeulOI2sxmbmonOIi1w63euP3yKyqyQDPrmJFBa3uLjWGTuB/s320/Zosia+006+-+02.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bournemouth PhD student Owen running a handling table by the Great Bath during the summer</td></tr>
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We ran events on site throughout the summer, and out and about in <a href="http://bathsbloggers.blogspot.com/2019/08/festival-of-archaeology-roman-death-and.html" target="_blank">Sydney Gardens</a>, <a href="http://bathsbloggers.blogspot.com/2019/11/curious-coins-from-batheaston.html" target="_blank">Batheaston</a> and at both of
our offsite stores. These events help to bring the hugely varied collections out of storage. From Roman
death and burial to Victorian Spa equipment, we’re got it all!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07eHPKOWUYVAgviK71sa0pZ5gViZpPw-akF5wEa1D3g7FSEceN9NRy2ODPaHlE3zb1rpUs7tdL-I9Bj5KLRpKe9dyJHebNzyxRGCjcOuvNJUfWsvquk4sWeZfsLbfusqV7JXWOsf3-d5J/s1600/Zosia+006+-+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07eHPKOWUYVAgviK71sa0pZ5gViZpPw-akF5wEa1D3g7FSEceN9NRy2ODPaHlE3zb1rpUs7tdL-I9Bj5KLRpKe9dyJHebNzyxRGCjcOuvNJUfWsvquk4sWeZfsLbfusqV7JXWOsf3-d5J/s320/Zosia+006+-+03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our wonderful volunteers investigating displays at St Fagans</td></tr>
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To celebrate everyone’s hard work, we went on a brilliant trip
to St Fagans National Museum of History in the summer to explore their open-air
museum and see amazing archaeological finds.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of the time, however, you could find us in the office
or in our stores, sorting boxes and cataloguing objects. Our work is never finished!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhqjSM4mrc7NJaxoMPmQfYVZJE5FsApW59gcwA2U02VVALP09XpUX2YwViD5iurEKBNymO-8O_VV6_ek3X7LKGTfVeaZSlClLw5HTmogJ5Le5dRndxJwf43TrlUYpAd1Hj10oYqVvTd2a/s1600/Zosia+006+-+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhqjSM4mrc7NJaxoMPmQfYVZJE5FsApW59gcwA2U02VVALP09XpUX2YwViD5iurEKBNymO-8O_VV6_ek3X7LKGTfVeaZSlClLw5HTmogJ5Le5dRndxJwf43TrlUYpAd1Hj10oYqVvTd2a/s320/Zosia+006+-+04.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical scenes in store - sorting Staffordshire slipware sherds</td></tr>
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In the Collections office we do tend to welcome Christmas
and the new year with open arms as the holiday gives us some time to catch up on all
the little things, so stay tuned and look out for our blog posts as we dust our
way into 2020…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9fj2Hw_14p7D2yIErolxgvbymhh1vwmwOjocibpgB7GNHyCTMcbxJXiO8-vFXR7WT4M_i5cnShAaEMMkkwZ_24zGn0HB5k-LH-rQTSj3rfwWZkXjiI5S4c-bOO5y8j7PdWyn3ApPW84g/s1600/Zosia+006+-+05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9fj2Hw_14p7D2yIErolxgvbymhh1vwmwOjocibpgB7GNHyCTMcbxJXiO8-vFXR7WT4M_i5cnShAaEMMkkwZ_24zGn0HB5k-LH-rQTSj3rfwWZkXjiI5S4c-bOO5y8j7PdWyn3ApPW84g/s320/Zosia+006+-+05.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusting a model of the Roman Temple...just one of our many chores for the winter!</td></tr>
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Zofia<br />
Collections AssistantThe Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-24739291745999342302019-11-20T12:43:00.004+00:002019-11-20T12:43:51.539+00:00Curious Coins from Batheaston<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, visited Batheaston to display a range of incredible objects from the local area.
Of course, I chose my favourite subject – coins! We had several lovely Roman
coins on display, from Emperor Domitian (77AD) to Emperor Gratian (367AD), but
my two favourite coins found during excavations at the Batheaston Bypass aren’t
Roman at all…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ8F_05RjWPb1Q7GBgHla5JFBK4jc2kM-6qFNzBE2QEm4w_siNAfdYoshLymrY9_98vl2m8pp1GymUFqS5XF_rygcSxsTH9NYrZlKzAIQj1ym0XbrJPu-w-64-KhpxPyBOCiIdSEh7HPU/s1600/Photos_20191029_143917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ8F_05RjWPb1Q7GBgHla5JFBK4jc2kM-6qFNzBE2QEm4w_siNAfdYoshLymrY9_98vl2m8pp1GymUFqS5XF_rygcSxsTH9NYrZlKzAIQj1ym0XbrJPu-w-64-KhpxPyBOCiIdSEh7HPU/s320/Photos_20191029_143917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors to Batheaston Scout Hut find out about the archaeology of the area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first is
what I think is one of the most beautiful coins in the collection. It is a
<i>sceat</i> (a small silver coin) from the eighth century AD - just before the Viking
invasion. It might have been minted in Denmark, or Frisia (now part of the
Netherlands or Northern Germany), but there is a lot of ongoing debate about
when and where these coins were made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On one side,
there is the bearded face of the Ancient German sky god called “Wodan”, related
to the Norse god Odin. On the other there is a mythical monster, possibly a
dragon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9huys8NQPheSKi9k3KP4I1GTtT7SmPONw90NxhCETxMAO8KeQaQIBKq9F_GTISO9UfexuTNuRFlfRvCOt2VEd25mtX6XsneSklNSblYZBo2XpNZftT8YpU1aV8Vr7BtgiXsaA3b5_gKQl/s1600/Emily+003+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="822" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9huys8NQPheSKi9k3KP4I1GTtT7SmPONw90NxhCETxMAO8KeQaQIBKq9F_GTISO9UfexuTNuRFlfRvCOt2VEd25mtX6XsneSklNSblYZBo2XpNZftT8YpU1aV8Vr7BtgiXsaA3b5_gKQl/s320/Emily+003+-+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Woden/Monster <i>sceat</i> from Batheaston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second
is a European copy of an English silver penny, originally minted for Edward I
(1288-1299). At the time, these were nicknamed “crockards”, which is a term of
uncertain origin. There is also a medieval Latin word <i>crocardus</i> which is translated as “bad money”, but this may have
been derived from the English term and not the other way round.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the time,
the English silver penny was famous throughout Europe for its quality and
purity. European merchants would trade their goods to the English for the
coins. Then they would melt down the coins, mix the silver with some cheaper
metal, and mint more coins for themselves. By making the coins look like the
English pennies, they could then pretend that the coins were just as high in
value as the originals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, the
crockards weren’t considered “counterfeit”, because they were not identical to
the English pennies. The names of the European moneyers were on the coins, and
instead of the royal crown, Edward I is wearing a “chaplet of roses” – or a
flower crown!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-b4bKddgxHktyHtSmbm40dCT1qWyqzWwKFOxBEgL9eCOcAzQZfMibiFh7EKrhm-gfRcNRdu7_eOSDNAHnIAYtI0zmPLIzldoXwXwyUiTJTwf06i5aiv0eTlh9idXj751ZH4K2q5EnEli/s1600/Emily+003+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1472" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-b4bKddgxHktyHtSmbm40dCT1qWyqzWwKFOxBEgL9eCOcAzQZfMibiFh7EKrhm-gfRcNRdu7_eOSDNAHnIAYtI0zmPLIzldoXwXwyUiTJTwf06i5aiv0eTlh9idXj751ZH4K2q5EnEli/s320/Emily+003+-+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 'crockard' from Batheaston - with Edward I in a flower crown!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our coin was
minted by John, Duke of Brabant (part of Belgium), who was Edward I’s
son-in-law. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At first, Edward tried to use crockards as
currency, saying that they were worth half a penny instead of a full penny, but
this was confusing, and soon he decided that all the crockards should be
destroyed instead. This makes our coin very special!</span></span><br />
<br />
Emily<br />
Collections Volunteer<br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704812718515250366.post-63331722874153730892019-11-13T11:00:00.000+00:002019-11-13T11:00:05.237+00:00An Alphabet of Objects: B is for Bottles<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you visit the Roman Baths and walk through the
Pump Room, you will come to a small room on the other side called the Sun
Lounge. Here, our A-Z display has now changed from A…to B! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHsMdbXKxmZX_QHJvw1xCkr-uKvjb7dSjXHpSeQQzqnSv1e9WLFFwij0mXt40YcgvJXNyJ3RSFu2TnjKsv_um7EtKOH4YyB_aAw6ifzED-x8nWTaHJoJQS29A5fYkS6z_7mcu8mmQgdJ2/s1600/Michela+002+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHsMdbXKxmZX_QHJvw1xCkr-uKvjb7dSjXHpSeQQzqnSv1e9WLFFwij0mXt40YcgvJXNyJ3RSFu2TnjKsv_um7EtKOH4YyB_aAw6ifzED-x8nWTaHJoJQS29A5fYkS6z_7mcu8mmQgdJ2/s320/Michela+002+-+01.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the new Alphabet display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Created by our volunteer Zoë, the display showcases
beautiful bottles through time. Over the summer, Michela did a lot of research
into the marvellous Victorian bottles in the collection and found that every
bottle has got a story to tell:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9SNMRjNrmRQAe8KrUVphKYEEsquhuEnElwmITEaeIk_k3MjbeezA6tMtllYYojthsE1iYLRrdT-wbNSx_7ngc3_o1PSuIFJuF3LHK7M3zrRWIFhlFquGZsfaixjJVh3uKcIt1l0jTP9b/s1600/Michela+002+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="808" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9SNMRjNrmRQAe8KrUVphKYEEsquhuEnElwmITEaeIk_k3MjbeezA6tMtllYYojthsE1iYLRrdT-wbNSx_7ngc3_o1PSuIFJuF3LHK7M3zrRWIFhlFquGZsfaixjJVh3uKcIt1l0jTP9b/s320/Michela+002+-+02.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass Codd-neck bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is known as a Codd-neck bottle because it was
invented in 1872 by a British engineer called Hiram Codd. He designed and
patented a bottle specifically invented for carbonated drinks. In fact, the
Codd-neck bottle has a unique closing design based on a glass marble that is
forced against the washer by the pressure of the gas contained in the beverage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To open a Codd-neck bottle it is necessary to push the marble down and let the
gas spill out. These bottles also have a special chamber to prevent the marble
from blocking the neck when pouring the drink. This clever bottle design is
still used in Japan for carbonated beverages. This bottle was produced in Newport (South Wales) but the drink
that was inside was product by a soda-lemonade factory called Brooke & Co</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">that was founded in Bath (5 Walcot
Street) in 1846.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvGi-vBgsj9p4m3E5NGw7rSkEpEhQrwosKoTM6TrrSSdN5_rSJhgOOU-A4LtzOTfuwXNdtc3caebdfVavcO7iDJog8DHfk1-cruAYSGmSzFFM-FMxlW55W80TbTIGHp3AQC_xtbTl1qvm/s1600/Michela+002+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1600" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvGi-vBgsj9p4m3E5NGw7rSkEpEhQrwosKoTM6TrrSSdN5_rSJhgOOU-A4LtzOTfuwXNdtc3caebdfVavcO7iDJog8DHfk1-cruAYSGmSzFFM-FMxlW55W80TbTIGHp3AQC_xtbTl1qvm/s320/Michela+002+-+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass 'torpedo' bottle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This ‘torpedo’ bottle was introduced in 1814 to
preserve the pressure of the bottle. This shape does not allow you to keep the
bottle standing up, only lying down! In this way, the liquid keeps the cork covered,
preventing it from becoming dry and avoiding the loss of bottle pressure. This
particular example contained a carbonate drink produced in Bath by a factory called
R. B. Cater & Co. that had a phoenix as trade mark. Can you spot the
phoenix on the side?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLkyk38UuIXVzPkxq-EDEO9hNHLAfdD3aRqlEWX6pNUk7xAQ_mfeyT1rqoiXxyyTpT9hDg-_RDXEIiUSsWzprlkBfeGGP0yL2BfhM6HOTG88wpUSsu5SOEysWxj6Mv6cQJvE24GyXVnNn/s1600/Michela+002+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1600" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLkyk38UuIXVzPkxq-EDEO9hNHLAfdD3aRqlEWX6pNUk7xAQ_mfeyT1rqoiXxyyTpT9hDg-_RDXEIiUSsWzprlkBfeGGP0yL2BfhM6HOTG88wpUSsu5SOEysWxj6Mv6cQJvE24GyXVnNn/s320/Michela+002+-+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medicine bottle containing 'Kay's Linseed Compound'</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This medicine bottle contained a preparation of
chloroform and morphine that was sold as remedy for coughs, colds, bronchitis,
influenza and asthma. This medicine was produced in Stockport by a factory
called Kay Brothers Ltd. that was probably founded in 1867. On the 5</span><sup style="font-family: inherit;">th </sup><span style="font-family: inherit;">of
December 1908, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">The British Medical
Journal</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> examined the contents of Kay’s Linseed Compound (page 1698). Reading
the contents, it’s not surprising that it isn’t found in pharmacies today!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmev5kDHhfM87UCJhPW40MCnvyPTyuR6O7thBbMU8DT25pdq2LP1xmypl8c14aM7bXsBwCKxTH5B8mhZ4zvHFa65CY8K_fxsEhuC6fQx2BdJNEm6qyy2BXKqbC4NWOA5iiE3tZW9uDY7L/s1600/Michela+002+-+05.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmev5kDHhfM87UCJhPW40MCnvyPTyuR6O7thBbMU8DT25pdq2LP1xmypl8c14aM7bXsBwCKxTH5B8mhZ4zvHFa65CY8K_fxsEhuC6fQx2BdJNEm6qyy2BXKqbC4NWOA5iiE3tZW9uDY7L/s320/Michela+002+-+05.1.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extract from the British Medical Journal 1908</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The A-Z display is free to see in the Sun Lounge
during opening hours. Stay tuned for updates as we work our way through the
alphabet!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michela Amato</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Collections Placement</span></span><br />
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<br />The Baths Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979077640511851287noreply@blogger.com0