Destination Viminacium – Where to deliver goods at the Roman frontier

Abstract

Being on the frontier and on the Danube, major river communication, Viminacium become from the first century destination for both local and imported goods. Financial potential of the legionaries with high salaries was extraordinary magnet for traders. Cosmopolitan character of the city as well as the process of Romanization are also visible through consumption and demand of specific or characteristic products. Ultimately Viminacium become the largest city, production center and the capital of the province Moesia Superior. Amphoras as the most distinctive production segment for decades are found throughout the site in different contexts with a wide chronological span from the 1st until the end of 6th century AD. We will present distribution and origins as well the analysis of quantities estimated to be delivered and later found in the urban, suburban, funeral, and military contexts. Following amphoras led us to mapping both spatial and chronological relations. Special attention is devoted to tastes and food preferences of the population. We will examine personal connections and origins with modern trends of the period to establish changes in traditions, Romanization or military campaigns influences. Secondary use of the amphoras was also discussed. Changes in trade trends are also visible and interpreted and influences on this changes analazyed.