Feeding the Army at Viminacium Legionary Fortress: Preliminary Zooarchaeological Evidence

Abstract

Viminacium, one of the most important spots at the Upper Moesian limes, was founded as a legionary camp, where the 7th Claudia legion was stationed from the second half of the 1st century AD, until the late Roman period. Next to the fortress, a city was built and became the capital of the province of Moesia Superior (and Moesia Prima in the late Roman period), while the whole area was surrounded by rural settlements the economy of which was based on agriculture. Up to date research of meat production and provisioning, based on zooarchaeological data from the civilian areas, indicated that the city of Viminacium was mainly supplied by the meat of improved cattle bred in surrounding rural areas, with a significant addition of pork, lamb, and chevon. Recent excavations of the legionary fortress, along with the analysis of animal remains, provided the starting points for the research of meat provisioning of the soldiers stationed in Viminacium. Preliminary zooarchaeological data revealed significant differences between the fortress and civilian areas, mainly in species ratios and mortality profiles of domesticates. This paper will be focused on zooarchaeological data (species ratios, mortality profiles, and biometry) from the Early Roman, Roman, and late Roman features 1 excavated at the north-western part of the fortress that mostly have been attributed to the embankments along the ramparts. By comparing the data from different periods, we will discuss plausible diachronic differences in meat diet and food provisioning for the camp. We will also compare zooarchaeological data from the fortress with contemporary surrounding civilian areas, to understand better the food supply systems. The questions of whether the army was supplied with animal products locally or from long distance will also be tackled.