---
title: The Colchester Vase
author: Carole Raddato
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19142/the-colchester-vase/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
updated: 2024-06-26
---

# The Colchester Vase

_Authored by Carole Raddato_

## Image File

[![The Colchester Vase](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19142.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19142.jpg)

## Image Caption

The "Colchester Vase" is a cremation vessel decorated with a continuous frieze depicting scenes relating to arena spectacles, including the combat between two gladiators named Memnon and Valentinus. Memnon is a well-armoured *secutor* [gladiator](https://www.worldhistory.org/gladiator/) who fights with a sword and shield and wears a distinctive, encasing helmet. His opponent, Valentinus, is a *retiarius* gladiator, identifiable by the trident that he has dropped to the ground, although he has lost his net. The vessel was found buried alongside other ceramic [grave](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) goods and dates to the late 2nd century CE. It is one of the finest examples of ceramic art known from [Roman Britain](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Britain/).

Colchester Castle Museum, UK.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Raddato, C. (2024, June 26). The Colchester Vase. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19142/the-colchester-vase/>
### Chicago
Raddato, Carole. "The Colchester Vase." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 26, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19142/the-colchester-vase/>.
### MLA
Raddato, Carole. "The Colchester Vase." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Jun 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19142/the-colchester-vase/>.

## License & Copyright

[![copyright source](/images/partners/white-flickr.png)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/23175635162/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/23175635162/) by [**Carole Raddato**](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/23175635162/). Submitted by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato"), published on 26 June 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon a work even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.