Rare Roman Terracotta Drinking Bowl

In ancient Rome, both the palm branch and arch were symbolic of victory. The association of the former extends back at least as far as classical Greece, where palm branches were the prize for athletic victory. Triumphal arches were erected by the Romans to honour an individual, or to commemorate a significant event. Indeed, the only arch to survive in Rome from the third century AD (the time period from which this bowl dates) is the Arch of Septimius Severus (203-205): this monument marked a military victory for Rome, namely that over the Parthians. Perhaps the recipient of this vessel was similarly being recognised and rewarded for an achievement.