Analysis of Roman Materials

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Theory: presentation of the primary topics for each syllabus item. Practical: identification and classification of ceramic materials (this practical component, in group or individual work is an important part of the class). The didactic resources include PowerPoint presentations and, above all, direct or in-person observation of Roman ceramics (and other related archaeological materials). Several written tests will be given during the semester, in accordance with the periodic assessment schedule.

Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:
- master the specific technical terminology and develop practical competences that allow them to observe and describe Roman ceramics from a formal and technological point of view, and understanding how to group ceramic types;
- identify and classify the different types of Roman pottery, consulting the specific bibliography for each type.
- understand the importance of finding contextualized materials (stratigraphically) in excavations;
- understand that the study of materials is an essential means to provide answers to questions of a diverse nature (chronological, functional, economic, social) that archaeological research poses.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Roman ceramics
1. Their diversity and importance (as chronological, functional, economical and social indicators)
2. The relevance of the context (stratigraphic) of the find
3. The process of the study of common pottery
3.1. Inventory: description and chronological, typological and functional classification and technological
analysis
3.2. Grouping and individualization of types
3.3. Analytical methodologies for archaeological study (portfolio analysis and study of provenance)
4. Imports: production centers, typologies and chronologies
4.1. Peasant pottery
4.2. Terra sigillata
4.3. Amphorae
4.4. Thin walls, small lamps and other imported ceramics.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ricardo Jorge Costeira da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 10.0%
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Frequency: 80.0%

Bibliography

BELTRAN, M. (1990): Guia de la Cerámica Romana, Libr. Pórtico, Saragoça.
BERNAL, D., RIBERA, A. (eds.) (2008): Cerámicas hispanorromanas. Un estado de la cuestión, Univ. de Cádiz.
ETTLINGER et al. (1990): Conspectus Formarum Terrae Sigillatae Italico Modo Confectae, Bona.
GENIN, M. et al. (2007): La Graufresenque (Millau, Aveyron) – Vol. 2, Sigillées lisses et autres productions. Fédération Aquitania.
HAYES, J. (1972) - Late Roman pottery - African Red Slip (ARS). The British School at Rome. MAYET, F. (1984): Les céramiques sigillées hispaniques: contribution à l`histoire économique de la Péninsule
Iberique sous l`Empire Romain, (Coll. Maison des Pays Ibériques; 21) Bordeaux: Centre Pierre Paris.
PINTO, I. V. (2003): A cerâmica comum das villae romanas de São Cucufate (Beja). Lisboa: Universidade Lusíada.
ROCA, M. E FERNÁNDEZ, M. I. (coord) (2005): Introducción al estudio de la cerámica romana. Una breve guía de referencia, Serv. Publ. Intercamb., Universidad de Málaga.