FLAVIAN LIMES IN UPPER MOESIA: A CERAMIC POINT OF VIEW

Tatjana Cvjeticanin

Significant changes in Roman frontier policy and intensive building programs characterize the Flavian phase of the Upper Moesian limes. New, permanent earthen camps were built and previous temporary bases were strengthened, creating a linear chain of fortifications along the river between Singidunum (Belgrade) and Ratiaria (Archar). The Danubian frontier became the focal point of Roman military activities, especially from AD 85, further determining the military history of the Empire in general and, in particular, the military and economic history of Moesia Superior. However, the Flavian phase of this region has not been fully studied and its characteristics are completely known: many different problems are still open.

The ceramic evidence represents the most important feature of the rarely documented Flavian assemblages from the Upper Moesian limes. The range and diversity of the pottery evidence is presented in this report: basic morphological and production features of Terra Sigillata, Terra Nigra, Thin-walled ware, Roman glazed pottery, Marbleized sigillata, Color-coated pottery as well as kitchen ware, indigenous pottery and amphorae. At the same time, attempts are made to establish production centers, chronology, mechanisms of appearance (supply systems, trading routes, local production), and patterns of distribution. One of the subjects discussed here is the phenomenon of legionary pottery. Evidence from Statio Diana (Karatas) has been used as a basis for this study.

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