La Graufesenque Research Articles

Samian Ware in Early Roman Contexts at Capidava

The present paper is part of a series of publications related to the research carried out in the last decade in the early Roman contexts from Capidava (Constanța County), as well. The subject of the article is a batch of 17 fragmentary ceramic vessels, belonging to the terra sigillata category. Of these, the first 16 items (Cat. nos. 1-16) are fragments of imported vessels produced in the famous ceramic production centre of La Graufesenque, in South Gaul. The last vessel, Cat. no. 17, is of local production, from the category called Pontic sigillata decorated by the barbotine technique. The entire batch of ceramic material was discovered during the archaeological excavation carried out at the Late Roman headquarters building (principia), during which the foundations of this building were also excavated. Beneath these foundations were discovered the ruins of an early Roman habitation level represented by military barracks-type buildings, a stone-paved street, a well, a rubbish pit and a waste drain that led to that pit. The material presented by us comes from this earliest context, respectively from all the urban planning elements listed above, especially from the waste drain and the rubbish pit. The dating of the material is early, namely the Flavian era until the end of Trajan’s reign. From this point of view, the ceramic material presented here completes the picture provided by other categories of material previously published from the same archaeological context.

Forest Exploitation at La Graufesenque in Roman Times: Would Long-Term Considerations Have Qualitatively Modified Its Course?

Forest Exploitation at La Graufesenque in Roman Times: Would Long-Term Considerations Have Qualitatively Modified Its Course?

The rise and fall of La Graufesenque: The fate of development based on a non-renewable resource

Even a very gradual depletion of some natural resources can lead to significant disruption to entire societies. Indeed, societies which appear at first glance to be flourishing may in fact be hiding a deep-seated fragility. This phenomenon is illustrated by the results of an archaeological dig in La Graufesenque, an ancient Roman city located in the south of France, which suffered a sudden and brutal demise following years of economic prosperity built on its ceramics trade. In our study, we develop a model to show how forest exploitation at the time can go a good way to explaining this collapse. We combine different data from archaeology, history and economics to show how the case of La Graufesenque allows us to better understand the dynamics of our modern world, which is also faced with dwindling reserves of certain natural resources.

Un nouveau décorateur «Génial» de Lezoux et la collection des moules pour Sigillée gallo-romaine du Musée du Louvre

Abstract Moulds and potters’ marks are primary sources for our understanding of the relief decorated terra sigillata production. In this paper the Gallo-roman terra sigillata moulds (for relief decorated bowls and goblets) from the collection of the Louvre are presented together with a signed fragment from a relief decorated terra sigillata bowl from Lezoux. Among the moulds several potters’ centres are represented: La Graufesenque, Les Martres-de-Veyre, Lezoux and Rheinzabern ranging chronologically from the Trajanic to the Antonine periods. These finds allow a better understanding of workshop activities, individual potter’s style and enrich the repertory of motifs and dies used by the decorators. The bowl fragment reveals the name of a Trajanic Lezoux potter Genialis. Based on this fragment, we can hitherto name a previously anonymous Lezoux potter (Potter X-5) and characterise better his activity as one of the early workshop leaders “advertising” himself by large marks stamped into the decoration.

La ceramica rinvenuta nella villa romana di San Potito di Ovindoli (AQ)

This paper presents the pottery originating from three groups of objects found in close association – in a well, a cistern and a burnt layer –, and the most characteristic vessel types as well as all the lamps found during the series of excavations at the site. The well excavated in the eastern part of the villa yielded pottery dating from the second half of the AD 1st and the beginning of the 2nd century. Only 0.5% of this ensemble was imported pottery, 6.4% was thin-walled and color-coated pottery, and 91.4% coarse pottery. In addition to these, the deposit contained a few ampullae and incense burners (turibulum). Only one piece of North-African red slip ware was found in the fill of the cistern located in the middle of the northern courtyard and the channel leading there. Here 10% of the pottery finds was composed of fine ware, and the amount of coarse pottery was significant. The fill of the well established in the later phase of the villa dated from the second half of the AD 3rd century. However, the pottery found in it is composed of types characteristic for the AD 1st and 2nd centuries – if its chronology can be reconstructed at all. Amphora fragments from Hispania and a piece of samian ware form Dr. 29 from La Graufesenque was unearthed in a burnt layer in the southern part of the early villa, as well as household ware dating from the period of the Flavian dynasty and the reign of Trajan. Here fine ware constituted 7.8% of the pottery finds. Vessels that were intact or could be refit were found atop the terrazzo floor in the central part of the villa, which might have been still in use when the villa was destroyed.

Le plomb gaulois de Rezé

The Gaulish text from Rezé. This new Gaulish text comes from the district of Saint Lupien, in Rezé, dep. Loire-Atlantique. On this Gallo-Roman site, which was anciently on the southern brink of the Loire, the archaeologists conducted by Martial Monteil have found a lead tablet with an inscription on both sides. After a presentation of the archaeological context, Pierre-Yves Lambert delivered a tentative reading and linguistic interpretation ; David Stifter gave some epigraphic and linguistic remarks and suggested in some cases alternative proposals. The two faces bear essentially an account, with one column of cyphers on the right, and on the left a column of words which reveal to be a series of ordinal numbers, different from the series in La Graufesenque : some ordinal seem to be latish creations, as paetrute “ fourth”, some others would be archaisms, such as pixto-“ fifth”. The “ seventh” was probably the object of some taboo, whence the use of a euphemistic periphrasis. A few marginal notes would record buyings or sellings, with two verbal forms prino and rinoti, and a monetary unit dinariIu (from Latin denarius). There still remain a number of uncertainties.

Ceramica fine rinvenuta nella villa di San Potito (AQ)

Fine pottery from the Roman villa at San Potito di Ovindoli. The overwhelming majority of the finds published here are Central Italian Samian wares, which could belong to the tableware of the earliest villa. Plates of a Consp. 3 shape, cups of a Consp. 34 shape and plates of Consp. 20.4 were found during the excavations of the recent years. Finds dated from the earliest period from the second quarter of the 1st century to the end of the century are composed of ceramica a vernice nera and Samian wares of a Consp. 37 shape. We have found also so-called late Italian decorated sigillata.. The plain terra sigillata could be the products of yet unlocalised Central Italian workshops. Beside Italian wares, a few Northern African red slip wares (A 1) and an eastern B type Samian ware belonged to the find material of the early villa. The only La Graufesenque bowl of a Drag. 29 shape was not a commercial good: it could be a gift.Significantly fewer fine ceramics were used in the luxurious building complex of the centre of an imperial estate. The products of the declining Italian sigillata workshops were replaced by the wares of Central Tunisian workshops in the Antonine and the Severan period: African A 2, African A/D types or C 1 wares. In the same period, a few types of cooking wares could arrive with crop or other African goods from Central and Northern Tunisia.

The nature of marbled Terra Sigillata slips: a combined μXRF and μXRD investigation

In addition to the red terra sigillata production, the largest Gallic workshop (La Graufesenque) made a special type of terra sigillata, called “marbled” by the archaeologists. Produced exclusively at this site, this pottery is characterized by a surface finish made of a mixture of yellow and red slips. Because the two slips are intimately mixed, it is difficult to obtain the precise composition of one of the two constituents without contamination from the other. In order to obtain very precise correlation at the appropriate scale between the color aspect and the elemental and mineralogical phase distributions in the slip, combined electron microprobe, X-ray micro spectroscopies and micro diffraction on cross-sectional samples were performed. The aim of this study is to discover how potters were able to produce this unique type of terra sigillata and especially this particular slip of an intense yellow color. Results show that the yellow component of marbled sigillata was made from a titanium-rich clay preparation. The color is due to the formation of a pseudobrookite (TiFe2O5) phase in the yellow part of the slip, the main characteristics of that structure being considered nowadays as essential for the fabrication of stable yellow ceramic pigments. Its physical properties such as high refractive indices and a melting point higher than that of most silicates widely used as ceramic colorants are indeed determinant for this kind of application. Finally, the red parts have a similar composition (elementary and mineralogical) to the one of standard red slip.

NATURE AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF GALLIC IMITATIONS OF SIGILLATA SLIPS FROM THE LA GRAUFESENQUE WORKSHOP*

The red glaze (slip) that characterizes the Terra Sigillata potteries greatly contributed to their success during the Roman period. The colour of the slip can in fact be partially explained by the microstructure (crystalline phases, grain sizes) and the physico‐chemistry (composition) of the ceramics. However, the precise process and the diffusion of this technique are still not fully known. In particular, we do not know yet how the production of sigillata took place in the south of Gaul, and the role that was played by the production under Italian influence (pre‐sigillata) preceding the first local sigillata. In this work, a combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray synchrotron diffraction techniques was used to study the microstructure of pre‐sigillata slips from the main southern Gaul workshop (La Graufesenque), in order to compare their characteristics with those of high‐quality sigillata. These first results seem to indicate that the antique potters chose clays adapted to their firing conditions and to the type of coating that they wanted to make. These productions cannot be described as an initial phase for the later sigillata production and, rather, seem to correspond to the intention of developing a specific type of pottery only inspired by the famous Italian sigillata forms.

Micro‐Raman study of aluminium‐bearing hematite from the slip of Gaul sigillata wares

AbstractThe presence of sub‐microscopic Al‐Fe2O3 and Fe‐Al2O3 impure crystallites in the slip of sigillata wares from La Graufesenque (southern France) has recently been demonstrated by micro‐structural analyses, posing new questions about manufacturing processes and technological skills. To clarify the chemical composition and the spatial distribution of such phases within the slip, five representative sigillata wares were investigated by micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The recorded spectra show the typical hematite bands, though the Raman peaks are broadened and shifted, which agrees with a disordered phase. This is also reflected in a signal at 670 cm−1, while a shoulder close to 430 cm−1 is attributed to point defects, in agreement with the substitution of Fe atoms by Al atoms. A corundum spectrum was not detected indeed, probably hidden by the more intense hematite one. Spectral parameters were then estimated by a curve‐fitting analysis. Their comparison indicates a similarity among the investigated slips as well as uniformity within the slip layer. This suggests an awareness of the control of the production process among the local craftsmen. The spectral interpretation was assisted by reference spectra acquired on artificially doped hematite and corundum powder samples, which were used for probing the doping effect on the vibrational features of the pure crystallites. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Some Smaller Moulded Samian Forms from la Graufesenque

A detailed examination of three of the less common moulded forms of samian, Déchelette 67, Hermet 9 and Knorr 78, along with associated shapes found at the production site of la Graufesenque, aims to define the forms more closely. It is intended to open the way for chronological study from site evidence and to supplement study of the decoration. It is based upon the premise that closer examination of shape as well as decoration can assist our study of the samian industry as a whole. In this case, such an examination reveals details of the manufacturing processes, some of which point to production by women or, more probably, children.

Bilingualism and the Latin Language

Introduction 1. Languages in contact with Latin 2. Code-switching 3. Bilingualism, linguistic diversity and language change 4. Latin in Egypt 5. Bilingualism at Delos 6. Bilingualism at La Graufesenque 7. The Latin of a learner (P. Amh. II 26): a case study 8. Some concluding remarks.

Bilingualism and the Latin Language (review)

Reviewed by: Bilingualism and the Latin language by J. N. Adams Joseph F. Eska Bilingualism and the Latin language. By J. N. Adams. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. Pp. xxviii, 836. ISBN 0521817714. $140 (Hb). The three principal topics of this fascinating volume are code-switching and its relationship to linguistic interference and borrowing, language contact as a determinant of linguistic change in the languages in contact, and the role played by language choice and language switching in the projection of identity. Other subjects dealt with include L2 acquisition among non-elites, diglossic relationships, language choice for accommodation, solidarity, or power, and onomastic change in response to language contact. All are addressed in an engaging and enlightening manner. The volume is divided into two parts, each with four chapters. The first part is thematic. After Ch. 1 (1–110), which discusses the study of bilingualism and the sources of information on it in the ancient world, Ch. 2 (111–296) examines the extant evidence for the numerous languages in contact with Latin and the specific evidence for each that bears upon bilingualism. The languages discussed include not only the languages of ancient Italy, but also Celtic, Punic, Berber, Aramaic, Hebrew, Germanic, Egyptian, and the language of the Iberian Peninsula, among others. Ch. 3 (297–416) addresses numerous motivations for code-switching with particular attention paid to evidence in the correspondence of Cicero, and Ch. 4 (417–526) investigates the typology of borrowing and interference that subsequently leads to linguistic change. Brief case studies illustrate the effects of phonetic, morphological, and syntactic interference and lexical borrowing that led to the regional diversification of Latin. The second part is composed of four extended case studies. Ch. 5 (527–641) examines the use of Latin in Egypt, especially with regard to the expression of power or accommodation and its diglossic relationship with Greek. Ch. 6 (642–86) explores Latin-Greek bilingualism on the Greek island of Delos, where a trading community of Romans and Italians existed after 167 bc. Adams demonstrates, among other things, that these Italian traders were fully integrated into Greek society and used Latin in inscriptions to associate themselves with Rome, but Greek to express a separateness from other Roman outsiders. Ch. 7 (687–724) studies various aspects of bilingualism as attested in the accounting records of the ceramic factory at La Graufesenque. While some texts are principally in Latin and others in Celtic, the code-switching in some is of such an order that it is difficult to identify the matrix language. Ch. 8 (725–50) is a close analysis of the Latin of a learner contrasted with examples of fluent colloquial Latin. In a volume dealing with so many languages and philological traditions, A has had, of course, to rely heavily on the research of others. I have noted that he has occasionally followed the errors of others, though such instances are never serious. Finally, while there is a great deal for general linguists to learn from this erudite volume, the intended audience is clearly classicists, for translations of Greek and Latin forms and passages are usually not provided. Joseph F. Eska Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Copyright © 2004 Linguistic Society of America

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy of ancient ceramics: a study of French sigillata wares

AbstractMicro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to the study of some French sigillata wares dating back to the end of the 1st century AD and coming from two important Roman ceramic production centres at La Graufesenque (Aveyron) and Glanum in Saint Rémi de Provence. The differentiation between the mineralogical composition of the reddish bright slip and the porous ceramic body underneath was accomplished, confirming the previous hypothesis by the CNRS research group at Toulouse that a different and finer clay material was used for the coating. This was primarily suggested by the highly heterogeneous body matrix mineralogy due to the presence of a large variety of minerals such as haematite, quartz, rutile and feldspar species, while the slip coating was basically made of haematite alone. The phase analysis results also gave an indication of the firing for insight into the production technology: an oxidizing atmosphere and a firing range between 850 and 1000°C could be suggested, in good accordance with the acknowledged Roman sigillata pottery production procedure. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

NON‐DESTRUCTIVE SURFACE ANALYSIS OF ROMAN TERRA SIGILLATA: A POSSIBLE TOOL IN PROVENANCE STUDIES?

In the past, studies on the average chemical composition of a sherd vs its origin have successfully been carried out, but attempts failed to reach the same goal with spot analysis (electron microprobe) on the high gloss surface of terra sigillata. When chemical data on the average composition of the surface is used for provenance determinations, significant results are obtainable on the basis of non‐destructive energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis (EDS‐XFA). Terra sigillata from Arezzo, Lezoux, La Graufesenque and Lyon (± 20 B.C. to ± 150 A.D.) were analysed in order to determine the statistically distinctive chemical elements. It is clearly possible under favourable conditions to allocate archaeologically unknown sherds to specific pottery centres.

Potters, Oculists and Eye-Troubles

Malain Vernhet has published in Gallia a summary of one of the most important discoveries made at La Graufesenque for many years; a mass of waste associated with a large kiln contained the work of about forty potters, some familiar in the last stages of the export-trade to Britain. Among the decorated bowls were some with the potter's stamp L.COSI, conventionally dated to the late Flavian period. Several of them bore reliefs which prove that the style continued down towards 120: thus, on one bowl, which is illustrated, we see figures of a seated warrior turning his sword on himself, labelled DECIBALV, and of a prisoner condemned ad bestias, identified as PARTV. AS M. Vernhet remarks, reference is to the suicide of the Dacian king, Decebalus, in 106 and to the Parthian triumph, which Trajan did not live to experience, in 117. The design thus epitomizes the great conquests of the reign, and in all its provincial crudity speaks to us directly of facts, away from which the noble commemorative monuments in Rome and at Benevento all too readily, perhaps, beguile us.

COMPOSITION OF THE LA GRAUFESENQUE, BANASSAC AND MONTANS TERRA SIGILLATA

ABSTRACTSThe composition diagrams of the La Graufesenque, Banassac and Montans Terra Sigillata are given as well as a calculation method to improve the separation between the workshops with compositions which are very similar. This method can then be generalized.

The Potter Petrecvs and his Connexions

The work of Petrecvs has been discussed by Déchelette and Oswald, both of whom ascribed it to the early Central Gaulish workshops at Lezoux.A bowl at Guildhall Museum, stamped by this potter and seen by Stanfield (fig. 2), clearly the work of a South Gaulish artist, came to the notice of Oswald too late for publication. However, his manuscript notes, on the basis of Stanfield's rubbings, leave no doubt that he realized that the vase recorded by Déchelette from Lezoux was not made at that site. L'Abbé Cérès noted the stamp PETR from La Graufesenque.

Les Thermes romains de La Roche (Commune de St-Cernin de Larche, Corrèze)

The Roman Baths at La Roche - Saint-Germain-de-Larche Roman ruins were discovered in 183.3 on the left bank of the brook « La Doux », near the village of La Roche, (Saint-Germain-de-Larche - Corrèze). They were considered for a long time as the remains of a sanctuary ; in fact, they represent a small thermal establishment with a hot room upon hypocaust (Caldarium), and probably Tepidarium and Frigi- darium, which may be compared to the ensemble of « Les Cars », in Haute- Corrèze. It was receiving the waters of La Doux by gravitation and was certainly resorting to a « villa ». The « terra sigillata » discovered at the borders of Limousin and Perigord gives the demonstration that the population was using earthware, coming in earlier times from Ruten officines (La Graufesenque), and later from Arvernian officines (Lezoux). From the discovery of a fragment of mould 37 (with a Pan representation identical to a « sigillum » from la Graufesenque) we may suggest the possibility of itinerant potters coming from Ruten region to work on the place itself.

Romano-Gaulish decorated Jugs and the Work of the potter Sabinvs

Perhaps the most remarkable of the various forms of decorated ‘Samian’ vessels is the jug or vase which is the main subject of this paper. Previously, the precise shape of these vessels was a matter of doubt, the recorded fragments being incomplete, generally lacking neck, handle and base. An attempt was made in 1933 to restore fragments existing in London on the lines of the St. Rémy green-glazed form, Déchelette 62, but this restoration has been found to be only approximately correct for the particular fragments which belong to Hermet's decorated form 15, as shown in his work La Graufesenque (Condatomago).