Roman Beaker

Handcrafted Roman Drinking Beaker – A Taste of Everyday Roman Life

This modest yet elegant beaker is a faithful replica of a type commonly found across the Roman Empire. While it may not have graced the banqueting tables of the elite, it would have been an essential item in every Roman kitchen and household.

With its refined shape and practical form, this vessel offered a touch of beauty to even the most humble homes. It served a simple yet vital role: keeping workers hydrated during long hours of labour, and providing families with a reliable cup for everyday meals. Whether used for water, wine, or a warm infusion, beakers like this were the workhorses of the Roman table, designed for function but not without charm.

While archaeological finds of luxurious wares often steal the spotlight, these small, everyday objects tell a richer story about the lives of ordinary Roman citizens. This beaker speaks to the practicality, resilience, and quiet dignity of Roman domestic life. And like the people who once used them, no two are ever quite the same.

The listing is for one beaker, individually crafted and fired using traditional techniques.

Materials
Earthenware, terracotta

Dimensions
Approx. 140 mm tall, 80 mm diameter

Production
This museum-quality replica has been handmade in Northumberland by Potted History, inspired by original Roman artefacts. It has been wood-fired to a temperature between 800°C and 1000°C, closely replicating the ancient firing methods used by Roman potters nearly two thousand years ago. This process creates natural variations in surface colour and texture, so while your beaker may differ slightly from the image shown, it will be entirely unique.

Health and Safety
This is a Museum Quality Replica, made using the tools and techniques of the Roman era. Like the original, this beaker is unglazed and has a porous surface, meaning it will absorb some of the flavours of any liquid it holds.

Because of this, it does not meet modern health and safety standards, and we do not advise using it for drinking or storing consumables. When Romans used these vessels, they relied on heating liquids to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes to kill most bacteria, and up to 100°C to ensure even more protection.

This vessel is best suited for decorative, educational, or experimental archaeology purposes only, and any functional use is undertaken at your own risk.

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders)
If your order contains both types, they will be shipped together once all items are ready

Postage
All items are sent using a second-class postal service
If you would like your item sent first-class, please contact us for a quote
Many thanks

A humble object, beautifully recreated. Add a piece of everyday Roman life to your collection today.