Britannia Ancient Rome and wine

the silver serving tray depicting bacchus found in mildenhall.

rome s influence on britain respect wine not viticultural cultural. throughout modern history, british have played key role in shaping world of wine , defining global wine markets. though evidence of v. vinifera vines in british isles dates hoxnian stage when climate warmer today, british interest in wine production increased following roman conquest of britain in 1st century ad.

amphoras italy indicate wine regularly transported britain @ great expense sea, around iberian peninsula. development of wine-producing regions in bordeaux , germany made supplying needs of roman colonists easier @ less cost. presence of amphora production houses found in brockley , middlesex indicates british had vineyards of own well.

there clear evidence roman cult of bacchus, wine god, practiced in britain: more 400 artifacts depicting likeness have been found throughout britain. included in mildenhall treasure collection silver dish engraved bacchus having drinking contest hercules. in colchester, excavations have uncovered containers identifying on 60 different types of wines italy, spain, rhine , bordeaux.