LOCAL AND IMPORTED WAREs DISCOVERED IN THE LEGIONARY BATHS OF POTAISSA. MILITARY LIFE IN ROMAN DACIA
Abstract
The archaeological investigations undergone between 1995 and 2008 in the thermae of Potaissa have unearthed various types of archaeological materials, however the largest quantity is being represented by the ubiquitous Roman pottery, with a total of 2362 of individual vessels. This material has been analyzed in its entirety, uncovering new information regarding the consumption of pottery and the military lifestyle of the 3rd century AD. A large quantity of cooking pots has been discovered here, which raises the question if the praefurnia of the rooms belonging to the thermae have been used as kitchens. At the same time, the presence of vasa escaria and potatoria suggests that the milites most likely used to dine here, transforming the baths into social spaces. Another new, important discovery is that of the foculus/foculi, a portable heater, having bronze braziers as its precursor.
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