Trade, Aquae Sulis, and the Roman Empire

When archaeologists first excavated Roman artefacts from Bath (Aquae Sulis), they discovered that the objects had travelled from across the Roman Empire through trade routes. Through curating a handling table in June, I had the opportunity to explore and share the mass international importation and exportation of goods during the Roman Empire.

Lydia running the handling table on Roman trade

How did the Romans transport liquid goods to Aquae Sulis?

We cannot talk about Roman trade without discussing amphorae. These were storage jars designed for transporting liquid products such as olive oil and wine on ships from the Mediterranean to other parts of the empire, including Aquae Sulis. The amphorae have two handles and a pointed base to make transporting liquid by sea easier. A sherd chosen for the handling table has a maker’s mark stamped onto the handle, illustrating how the maker of the amphora was advertising their products, exemplifying long-distanced trade networks through the advertising of the amphorae as they travelled widely within the Roman Empire.

Replica amphora (L) and handle of amphora with a maker's mark (R) 

What is the significance of Roman pottery found in Aquae Sulis?

Samian ware is an example of how Roman families indicated their wealth and status when entertaining visitors. The sherd below is decorated fine ware, aesthetically pleasing rather than designed for longevity. This table ware was made with red clay found in France (Gaul)  and was mass produced and transported across the empire.

Rim sherd of Samian ware

In contrast, black-burnished ware (BBW) was mass produced coarse ware made roughly with the intention of being sturdy and practical for use in everyday dining, cooking and storage. BBW was produced in Dorset and traded throughout Britain and the wider Roman Empire. This shows the growth of industries, including the exporting of goods from within Britain under the Romans. Pottery such as BBW and mined building material including Mendip lead have been uncovered as far away as Pompeii.

Sherd of black burnished ware 

Which truly Roman invention was transported to Aquae Sulis?

Mortaria were a type of Roman mixing bowl similar to our modern-day mortar and pestle, with stone and sandy grit deliberately added to the inside to help break down food and ground up spices. They were robust coarse ware used solely for cooking and not aesthetically designed. Mortaria were a uniquely Roman invention, transported throughout the empire with major production taking place in regions such as Belgium (Gallia Belgica).

Mortarium replica and sherd

Through learning about these everyday Roman objects it is possible to understand the importance of trade during the Roman Empire, including to Aquae Sulis. The Romans both imported goods to Roman Britain but also exported goods from Britain to the wider empire, showing the extent of mass production during the Roman Empire.

Visitors to the handling table

Lydia

Learning & participation placement student