![\"Berlanga](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/berlanga-cup-credit-roberto-de-pablo-ccby4.jpg\")
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Berlanga cup. Credit: Roberto de Pablo \/ CC BY 4.0<\/a><\/p>\n A rare Roman cup linked to Hadrian\u2019s Wall found in northern Spain may have been carried home by a soldier who once served on Britain\u2019s frontier, according to a new study.<\/p>\n The bronze vessel,<\/a> known as the Berlanga Cup, was discovered by chance in farmland near Berlanga de Duero in Spain\u2019s Soria province. The study, led by Roberto De Pablo Mart\u00ednez and published in Britannia, identifies it as one of a small group of decorated Roman vessels associated with Hadrian\u2019s Wall.<\/p>\n The cup is small, damaged, and incomplete. Yet researchers say it carries major historical value. Its Latin inscription names four forts from the eastern section of Hadrian\u2019s Wall: Cilurnum, Onno, Vindobala, and Condercom. These forts stood in what is now Northumberland, England.<\/p>\n That makes the Berlanga Cup the first known vessel of its type to mention forts from the eastern side of the wall.<\/p>\n A rare Roman military object<\/p>\n The Berlanga Cup belongs to a group often called the Hadrian\u2019s Wall<\/a> pans. These objects include the famous Rudge Cup, the Amiens Patera, the Bath Pan, and the Ilam Pan. They are known for their enamel decoration and inscriptions naming Roman forts along Hadrian\u2019s Wall.<\/p>\n Earlier examples mostly referred to forts in the western or central parts of the wall. The new find expands that picture.<\/p>\n Details of the Berlanga cup. Credit: Roberto De Pablo Mart\u00ednez \/ CC BY 4.0<\/p>\n Researchers say the Berlanga Cup is larger than most other known examples. It is about 11.4 centimeters (4.49 inches) wide at the mouth and almost 7.9 centimeters (3.11 inches) high. About 91% of the object survives, though it was found in fragments.<\/p>\n The outside of the cup carries colorful enamel decoration in red, green, turquoise, and dark blue. Its design includes geometric patterns, floral motifs, and a band of tower-like forms. Scholars have often interpreted similar designs as a simplified image of Hadrian\u2019s Wall.<\/p>\n Tests point to northern Britain<\/p>\n Scientific testing helped researchers study where the cup may have been made. Metal analysis showed that the vessel was made from a leaded copper alloy common in Roman objects from the second century A.D.<\/p>\n Lead isotope analysis suggested that the lead in the cup likely came from mines in Britain, possibly northern England or Wales. Researchers said the North Pennines and Durham areas are possible sources because they were close to Hadrian\u2019s Wall. This supports the idea that the cup was made in Britain, not Spain.<\/p>\n The team also created a 3D digital model of the fragments. This allowed researchers to virtually reconstruct the cup, study its shape, and better read the inscription.<\/p>\n A soldier\u2019s memory of the wall<\/p>\n The discovery raises an important question: how did a cup linked to Hadrian\u2019s Wall end up almost 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles) away in Spain?<\/p>\n Researchers suggest it may have belonged to a Roman soldier or veteran from Hispania who served near the wall and later returned home. The area where the cup was found was part of ancient Celtiberia. Roman records<\/a> show that military units recruited from Hispanic regions served in Britain.<\/p>\n One possible link is the Cohors I Celtiberorum, a Roman auxiliary unit connected to Celtiberia. Records place this unit in Britain during the second century A.D., including near Hadrian\u2019s Wall.<\/p>\n The cup may have served as a personal keepsake, a retirement gift, or a mark of service. Rather than a tourist souvenir, researchers argue it likely reflected lived military experience.<\/p>\n Roman site found nearby<\/p>\n The cup was found at La Cerrada de Arroyo, near Berlanga de Duero. Archaeological survey and ground-penetrating radar showed remains of buildings at the site. Researchers identified possible rooms, floors, and other structures that may belong to a rural Roman settlement.<\/p>\n Assemblage of Roman \u2018indigenous tradition\u2019 pottery recovered during the surface survey. Credit: Susana De Luis \/ CC BY 4.0<\/p>\n![\"Details](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/details-of-the-berlanga-cup-credit-roberto-de-pablo-martinez-ccby4.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Assemblage](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/assemblage-of-roman-indigenous-tradition-pottery-recovered-during-the-surface-survey-credit-susana-d.jpeg\"\/)
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