Regional patterning of funerary pottery in Pannonia

Abstract

The author examines differences in the deposition of pottery into graves in various regions of Pannonia in the first three
centuries AD. – Pannonia Superior: Carnuntum – although the location of the legionary fortress, the examined material
originates from the cemetery to the south of the civilian town; Gerulata – an auxiliary fort (Cemetery II); Poetovio – a civilian
town (the northern cemetery). – Pannonia Inferior: Aquincum – the cemetery located west of the canabae; Matrica – an
auxiliary fort. Based on their functionality the author devised seven categories (jugs, beakers, plates, pots, bowls, cups, and
censers) and an additional two categories representing terra sigillata and lamps. Within these indexes differences existed at
both cemeteries and in the regions. Some of these can be explained, but some remain unexplained. It is possible that some
differences could be dependent on the ethnicity of the deceased. For the most part the differences concern the numbers and
combinations of particular shapes of the vessels. On the other hand, the overall trends in deposition of the vessels at all
cemeteries can be observed. The preference for vessels for the purpose of drinking is one of these. This mostly concerns
their total numbers, and also the combination of a jug and beaker. It seems that for the Romans it was more important to
supply their deceased with drinks rather than with food.