Roman Circular Lead Tanks in Britain

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the construction, decoration and possible uses of Roman circular lead tanks which have been found in Britain. Twelve examples exist, plus fragments of perhaps two more, while one possible example is now lost. A short discussion of the possible functions of these tanks was published in 1943, when seven examples were known, and the tanks have also been considered in connection with Roman art and Christianity in Britain. Circular lead tanks would appear to have been a purely insular development since not one has been found elsewhere in the Roman Empire.