Archaeologists found a unique Roman bronze bowl for washing in the Netherlands. The object was found in Rijnsburg. These types of items are rare and so far only ten in Europe have been discovered. This basin, however, is unique.
The bowl is beautifully decorated with the image of the eagle’s head. The object is dated to the 4th century CE; just like the grave where the object was found. At the burial site – where 3 cremated bodies were buried – combs were also found.
The discovered bath tub was extracted in pieces and only after thorough reconstruction work was it possible to restore the proper appearance of the object. The image of the eagle suggests that the object could belong to an important member of the staff of the Roman army.
Interestingly, the researchers believe that the Romans left today’s lands of the Netherlands in the third century CE under the pressure of Germanic tribes. This discovery, however, may suggest that de facto Romans stayed in this place at the end of the third or even the beginning of the fourth century. It is possible that bribes of local barbarian leaders played a big role here.
The object can be seen at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden (Netherlands).
