A Roman Cup With History Found In Berlanga De Duero

Hadrian's Wall 'looms' over Soria: A Roman Cup with History is found in Berlanga de Duero

A 'souvenir' from a Celtiberian legionary reveals unexpected connections between Britain and Celtiberia of the 2nd century.

A chance discovery has shaken the foundations of Spanish archaeology. Scientists from the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the National Archaeological Museum have unearthed an impressive Roman cup dating back to the 2nd century near Berlanga de Duero, Soria. Its particularity lies in its decoration, which directly evokes the imposing Hadrian's Wall, one of the most emblematic defensive works of the Roman Empire.

The discovery, recently published in the prestigious magazine Britannia, occurred unexpectedly during a routine archaeological survey. The team of researchers was in the area to confirm the existence of a Roman villa active between the 1st and 4th centuries, when they came across this historical treasure.

Baptized by experts as the “Berlanga Cup”, this valuable object appears to have traveled from the Roman province of Britannia, now the United Kingdom, to the Iberian Peninsula. Evidence suggests that it belonged to a Celtiberian soldier who served on the northern border of the Empire, the most remote and exposed area of ​​the vast Roman domain at that time.

This soldier, at the end of his service, would have brought with him this unique piece as a 'souvenir' of his journey. Celtiberia, his native land, covered an extensive territory that today corresponds to part of the provinces of Soria, Zaragoza, Cuenca, Teruel, Guadalajara and the autonomous community of La Rioja.

Researcher Juan García, from the Institute of Archeology of Mérida, explains the logic behind this trip. “We know that the Romans incorporated troops from the newly conquered territories into their army,” he points out. In fact, a Celtiberian unit known as the 'Cohors I Celtiberorum' served on Hadrian's Wall.

The quality of the workmanship and the materials used suggest that these glasses were objects of great prestige. “They were made to order, probably to give or decorate the military elite who had served on Hadrian's Wall,” adds García. The general interpretation is that these pieces functioned as a tangible memory of their service on such a distant frontier.

Hadrian's Wall, built between the years 122 and 128 by order of Emperor Hadrian, stretched for more than one hundred kilometers, connecting the North Sea with the Irish Sea. Its purpose was to defend the Roman province of Britain from the northern tribes.

The cup, a hemispherical bronze bowl, appeared fragmented but has been reconstructed in 3D. Its enamelled decoration in bright red, green, turquoise and blue colors, together with the representation of the Wall, make it an exceptional piece.

This discovery is one of the few examples of its type known worldwide. Four others have been documented in France and England, in addition to some fragments in 19th century Spain. The Berlanga Cup stands out for its excellent state of conservation.

“It is exceptional not only because of its conservation, but because it is the only one that presents inscriptions related to the military camps in the eastern area of ​​the Wall: Cilurnum, Onno, Vindobala and Condercum,” explains Susana de Luis, researcher at the National Archaeological Museum. The arrangement of these names suggests a reading from west to east, as if the cup represented the view of the Wall from the inside.

The authenticity and composition of the cup have been confirmed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The analysis reveals a bronze alloy with zinc and lead, from Roman mines in northern Britain, probably Wales or Durham.

Ignacio Montero, from the Institute of History of the CSIC, responsible for the material analysis, points out that this technique has allowed the cup to be dated approximately between the years 124 and 150. After its restoration, the Berlanga Cup will be exhibited in the Numantino Museum of Soria, thus bringing a piece of imperial history closer to the land that welcomed it.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Berlanga Cup

When was the Berlanga Cup found?

The discovery occurred recently, and its publication was made in April 2026.

Who made the discovery?

Scientists from the CSIC and the National Archaeological Museum.

Where was the cup found?

A hundred meters from the town center of Berlanga de Duero, Soria.

How old is the cup?

It is dated to the 2nd century.

What decoration does the cup have?

It includes a decoration alluding to Hadrian's Wall and enamels in red, green, turquoise and blue.

What does Hadrian's Wall mean?

It was a defensive line built by the Romans in Britain to protect the province from the northern peoples.

What is the theory about the origin of the cup?

It is believed that it belonged to a Celtiberian soldier who served in Britain and brought it back as a 'souvenir'.

How many examples of this type of cup are known?

It is one of the five known specimens in the world, being one of the best preserved.

What makes this particular glass unique?

It is the only one that presents inscriptions relating to specific military camps on Hadrian's Wall.

Where will the cup be displayed after its restoration?

It will be exhibited in the Numantino Museum of Soria.

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