[Bell Historians] Oldest Christian Bell

[Richard Smith]

Kevin Jones wrote:

> There is a 2nd Century bell at Tarragona Museum in Spain.

2nd century bells are not especially rare.  A quick internet 
search suggests you can buy one yourself for less than £200 
(from genuine-looking antiques dealerships or auction 
houses: I'm not referring to items of dubious provenance on 
eBay).  Almost invariably they're small enough to fit 
comfortably in one hand, and generally they're either 
hemispherical or have a cylindral waist and a hemispherical 
crown.  If the one at Tarragona doesn't fit this general 
type, I would be interested to know more.  In particular, 
I've heard of an extant Roman bell with anything resembling 
a sound bow, nor anything large enough to be heard over any 
distance, and certainly nothing to prove Christian use in 
Roman times.

RAS