The organization of mass production of terra sigillata in the Roman Empire
Results of research on the production and distribution of terra sigillata are frequently used as weighty arguments in the discussion of the character of the Roman economy as a whole. Still, many substantial problems remain under discussion, among them the important question of how the mass production of this ware was organized. By re-examining and combining evidence from various production centres, the present thesis aims to develop a comprehensive model for the organization of terra sigillata production. It employs comparative and complementary approaches to interpret the archaeological and epigraphical material, and also analyzes the underlying social and legal structures. Theoretical conceptions of the organization of pottery production are dealt with, and the role of terra sigillata production in models of ancient economy is discussed. The principal focus of the study is on some of the most important centres of terra sigillata production in Italy, Gaul, Germany, Spain, and Africa. Although each production centre has its own individual features, common ones prevail. The application of producers' signatures can be explained by the joint use of production facilities, especially drying sheds, and the exchange
FĂŒlle, Gunnar
Mass production ; Pottery, Arretine ; Pottery, Roman ; Rome
The organization of mass production of terra sigillata in the Roman Empire. Results of research on the production and distribution of terra sigillata are frequently used as weighty arguments in the discussion of the character of the Roman economy as a whole. Still, many substantial problems remain under discussion, among them the important question of how the mass production of this ware was organized. By re-examining and combining evidence from various production centres, the present thesis aims to develop a comprehensive model for the organization of terra sigillata production. It employs comparative and complementary approaches to interpret the archaeological and epigraphical material, and also analyzes the underlying social and legal structures. Theoretical conceptions of the organization of pottery production are dealt with, and the role of terra sigillata production in models of ancient economy is discussed. The principal focus of the study is on some of the most important centres of terra sigillata production in Italy, Gaul, Germany, Spain, and Africa. Although each production centre has its own individual features, common ones prevail. The application of producers' signatures can be explained by the joint use of production facilities, especially drying sheds, and the exchange
organization mass_production terra roman_empire production_distribution terra frequently_use argument discussion character roman_economy whole still_many substantial problem remain discussion among_important question mass_production ware organize re_examining combine evidence various production_centre present aim_develop comprehensive model organization terra production employ comparative complementary approach interpret archaeological epigraphical material also analyze underlie social legal structure theoretical conception organization pottery_production dealt role terra production model ancient_economy discuss principal_focus study important centre terra production italy gaul germany spain africa although production_centre individual feature_common prevail application producer signature explain joint use production facility especially dry shed exchange