Spouted Pitcher

A large quantity of tableware survives from the Roman Empire, including this piece from Antioch and the Eastern Mediterranean. Most of the recovered groups of silver seem to have been hoards concealed during times of trouble. A complete table service, called a <em>ministerium</em> in Latin and a synthesis in Greek, consisted of silver for eating and drinking: trays, platters, plates, dishes, spoons, pepper dispensers, goblets, pitchers, ladles, and bowls. The god of wine, Dionysos, was frequently depicted on drinking and eating vessels.