This is one of the finest examples of late Roman silver ever to have been found and it is probably the most famous.
The dish is 60.5cm in diameter and the original weighs 8.256Kg (over 18lb).
The central feature is probably the face of Oceanus. He has a beard of seaweed and four dolphins can be seen emerging from his hair. The inner frieze depicts a sea revel of sea nymphs riding a variety of mythical sea creatures.
The broad outer frieze shows a wild revel. Bacchus is holding a bunch of grapes and a thyrsus. The mighty Hercules has been overcome by an excess of wine and is supported by two young satyrs. Silenus is handing more wine to Bacchus whilst Pan and a group of satyrs and Maenads continue their frenzied dance.
Added:
25th Sep 2007
Subjects:
Art and Design, Design and Technology, English, History, ICT
Key Stages:
Foundation, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Key Stage 4+
Keywords:
Mildenhall treasure
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