Optimo piscatu, Fish and fish-related finds from Roman Southern Pannonia and Upper Moesia as the evidence of global trade and local customs

Abstract

Literary, documentary, and archaeological sources for fish preservation and fishing during the Roman period are quite big but the story about fish, fishing and imports of fish products in Pannonia and Moesia is untold. Fishing and fish processing are culturally defined, its context is complex and aspects of the economic significance are multilayered. A significant number of Roman fishing implements from Siscia, a representative amount of fish remains from Viminacium and evidence gathered from amphorae and pottery from both provinces present the basis for understanding its economic role. The social context of consumption of fish and fish products can be seen in the light of the global trade (e.g. Hispanic garum documented by amphorae) and the local customs (freshwater fish remains within the archaeological context). Analysis of fish and fish-related finds are excellent tool for understanding the long distance trade and local supply, as well as data on the nutrition of different classes within society of Roman provinces.