Amphora

Amphora were used to transport foodstuffs around the Roman empire. Their distinctive spike was designed so they could be stored upright, and excavation of shipwrecks has shown that it also helped to keep them stable when transported by sea or river. They were sealed with a clay, cork or wooden stopper, which was often covered in wax or resin. This amphora was found by St Swithin's church in the city, it originally came from southern Spain and dates to the 1st century BC to 1st century CE. It was used to transport fish sauce, and the spike has scratched Latin writing and numbers on it, which translate to mean '7 April' - which may have been when the amphora was packed or maybe arrived in London. It was found in a rubbish pit which also contained other objects which had been burnt - perhaps during the Boudican rebellion.