By Rochelle Murphy, Univeristy of Reading
An important vessel that has received little attention, mortaria are useful for studying Londinium. Signifying a Roman diet, mortaria were used for mixing and grinding food stuffs. While there is some speculation surrounding what exactly was mixed in these bowls, it is widely accepted that they were used for mixing herbs or grains based on the presence of trituration grits in the body of the mortaria. The spout found on the rim suggests they could also have been used to mix sauces. The vessels were most likely used by all kinds of citizens as an important part of their kitchen. Studying the distribution of these vessels in all their various forms can help archaeologists to understand consumption patterns across the City. This can also lead to a larger study of trade patterns between London and the rest of the Empire. Where was Londinium getting its mortaria from? Who was the City trading with?
The vast majority of mortaria in Londinium were coming from Verulamium and surrounding kiln sites. These VRW (Verulamium White Ware) wares are seen across the City in staggering quantities. But while these local wares were plentiful, there were also a large variety of other wares coming into Londinium from throughout the Empire. The major producers in Gaul, Germany and Italy also had a wide influence in the London mortaria trade. The aims of my research are to understand this trade as well as the consumption of mortaria in Londinium during the 1st and 2nd centuries. By studying a selection of sites across the City and into Southwark, I hope to answer questions of distribution, consumption and trade across the City. I also believe it will be possible to further explore the question of what role Southwark played in the history of Londinium.
Using the vast resources available at the LAARC, I am undertaking a systematic study of the mortaria from my chosen sites. The LAARC stores hold a plethora of mortaria. Partial sherds and entire vessels can be access for this study. As well as the artefactual evidence, the LAARC also stores a large catalogue of site reports, notes and digitised data which I regularly access for statistical analysis. By analysing the vessels quantity, form, fabric, stamp, wear, diameter and volume using the written and material records I can begin to answer questions about distribution and consumption. This will begin to paint a picture of how Roman-Londoners were using these vessels. My main focus is on the pre-Boudiccan period, and the period immediately following the fire of AD 60/1, and how the fire effected London’s trade and consumption of these mortaria.
One interesting discovery I have made during my research at the LAARC has been a Caerleon rim, with stamp, in the GPO75 accessions. Not a typical vessel for London, and previously only seen as a single example at London Bridge, this additional find raises the question about how these vessels arrived in London. I hope to address this and other questions using the resources available at the LAARC.