|
Study Group for Roman Pottery
(SGRP) SGRP
Homepage |
||
|
later Iron Age’, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Durham,
submitted summer 1988. (Full details will appear in Vol.4). |
particular interest here deal with the analysis of ‘visible’
and ‘non-visible’ organic residues recovered from ‘early’ imported
amphorae found in Britain. Since many residues, whether visible or
non-visible relate to lining or sealing, much of the discussion concerns
amphora packaging rather than contents. The results of the chemical analyses
are related to both the archaeological and the documentary evidence. Precis of Chapter Two: ‘The Analysis of Organic Sealants from Roman Transport Amphorae’. "This chapter presents the results of the analysis of a large number of preserved linings from a variety of different amphora types. Detailed compositional studies have been undertaken in order to learn their origin. The chemistry and degradation of resin, tar and pitch, as well as mastic and bitumen, is discussed. In order to present an overall survey of likely sealants fourteen previous studies are cited and discussed. Documentary and archaeological evidence for the production and exploitation of these substances is included. The correlation between the presence of a resinous sealant and the likely contents of an amphora is addressed as is similar evidence for jars remaining unlined". Precis of Chapter Three: ‘The Analysis of ‘Non-visible’ Organic Residues from Transport Amphorae’. "Using samples taken from amphorae which exhibit no trace of adhering organic residue it has proved possible to detect remnant traces of oils and resinous compounds from some amphora sherds. The chemistry and degradation of fats and oils are discussed in this chapter and all relevant studies reviewed. Analysis indicates that comparative sampling, ie the comparison of samples taken from the amphora wall and vessel handles - not expected to have come in contact with the contents - is essential, in order to evaluate the possibility of ‘contamination’. This may arise from post-depositional interference, excessive handling, long- term storage in plastic bags, etc. "Whilst some samples yield substantial quantities of oil or resin, the detection of other organics has met with difficulty (such as fish sauce or defrutum). It is argued that amphorae used to transport these commodities were also lined (ie sealed) with resin or pitch. The archaeological and documentary evidence for this is discussed. Furthermore there is evidence that solid organic commodities such as olives, fish, dates and figs were bottled in liquid media or preservatives within amphorae that had been internally lined with resin or pitch". Publication: Heron, C & Pollard, A M, ‘The Analysis of Natural Resinous Materials from Roman Amphorae’, in Slater, E A & Tate, J O (eds), Science and Archaeology, Glasgow 1987, B.A.R. British Series 196, 429-447. 579 Paulin, Keith, ‘Pottery and settlement in Romano-British Northamptonshire’, Undergraduate Dissertation, University of Durham, 1986. flw,rrs/late 1st-late 4th cts/ets/nvc/lcg/nvg/shg/nhm/nvm/unm/buf This dissertation comprises an analysis of 66 RB pottery assemblages collected during a field survey programme covering the northern parishes of Northamptonshire. These assemblages were quantified and the data used to establish aspects of site settlement and chronology. The distribution of the products of the Nene Valley industries within Northamptonshire was examined and patterning isolated and discussed. Location: Cambridge, (part of the Fenland Field Survey |
|
Return to Vol 3 pages 92-130 listing
The Group would welcome comments
upon its WebPages and any information that may be useful to Group members
and those interested in aspects of pottery of the Roman period. Please send
details to webmaster@sgrp.org