[3][4] It was discovered in 1853 in West Lodge Road by local antiquarian John Taylor, who donated it to the Colchester Castle Museum.

[6] Roman Colchester (Colonia Claudia Victricensis), or Camulodunum, is famous as a center of pottery production during the 3rd century, with 40 documented kilns in the town.

[3] The inscription on the vase reads:'Secundus (and) Mario'/'Memnon the secutor (victor) nine (times)'/'Valentinu(s) of the Thirtieth Legion'[3]The first scene depicts animal-animal fighting, with a dog chasing two deer and a hare.

[3][9][10] Memnon is labelled as the victor of the match, with "VIIII" indicating this is his ninth victory, with Valentinus depicted as raising his finger in defeat.

[2] Memnon, a reference to the mythical Ethiopian king in the Trojan War, is believed to be a stage name for the winning fighter, and also extant evidence of Roman residents of African descent in the area.