Shell, Ostrea edulis
Object detail
Description
Ostrea edulis shell, collected from Verulaminum. Ostrea edulis is a bivalve mollusc that has an oval or pear-shaped shell with a rough, scaly surface. The two halves (valves) of the shell are different shapes. The left valve is concave and fixed to the substratum, the right being flat and sitting inside the left. The shell is off-white, yellowish or cream in colour with light brown or bluish concentric bands on the right valve. Ostrea edulis grows up to 110 mm long, rarely larger. The inner surfaces are pearly, white or bluish-grey, often with darker blue areas.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY
Measurements
L79mm x W68mm x D9mm
Media/Materials description
Oyster shell (Ostrea edulis) (Mediterranean Oyster)
History and use
This shell was collected from the Roman site of Verulaminum. Seafood was an important element in the Roman diet, and oysters in particular were popular in Roman Britain. Oysters were also thought to give men great prowess in battle.
Registration number
E40464.2
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