Pompeian Roman Cooking Pot

Handcrafted Replica Roman Cooking Pot – Inspired by a Pompeii Find

Details

This authentic replica cooking pot is based on an original artefact discovered in Pompeii, where it was part of a remarkable kitchen setup that included a ceramic foculus—a type of Roman brazier used for cooking.

Designed with a slightly rounded base, this pot sits comfortably among the embers of a fire, on a foculus, or in a small brazier while still remaining stable when placed on a flat surface. This shape allowed Roman cooks to prepare food efficiently, adapting to different cooking methods.

A foculus was a versatile piece of Roman kitchen equipment, functioning as both a brazier and hearth. It enabled cooks to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously—something that would have been highly valued by ancient Roman chefs. The foculus uncovered at Pompeii was an incredible cooking innovation, one that continues to capture the imagination of modern historians and culinary enthusiasts alike.

To date, we have made only one replica foculus, commissioned by Farrell Monaco, a specialist in ancient Roman foodways. Farrell provided invaluable research, photographs, and measurements, allowing us to handcraft the foculus as accurately as possible. Since receiving her foculus, she has used it to recreate a variety of stunning Roman dishes, demonstrating its functionality in an ancient kitchen.

You can learn more about Farrell's work with the foculus here.

Materials

• Grogged terracotta

Dimensions

• Cooking Pot: Approx. 180 mm tall (with lid)
• 160 mm tall (without lid)
• 135 mm diameter

Production

Every piece in our Museum Quality Replica collection is carefully handcrafted using tools and techniques faithful to the Roman era. This cooking pot has been shaped and fired using traditional methods to ensure authenticity, capturing both the form and function of the original. As with all handmade replicas, slight variations in shape and surface texture make each piece truly unique.

Health & Safety

This is a museum-quality replica, crafted using authentic Roman tools and techniques. As an unglazed and porous vessel, it will absorb flavours over time, much like the original cooking pots used in Roman kitchens.

However, because it does not meet modern health and safety standards, we do not recommend using it for cooking. The Romans ensured food safety by heating their pots and contents to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes, which would kill most bacteria. Heating to 100°C or higher would have been even more effective.

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 includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.

Shipping

• All orders are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
• For first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
• Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Bring the ingenuity of ancient Roman cooking into your home with this beautifully handcrafted replica. Order today to own a piece of culinary history!