Distribution spread of building ceramics of Lower Moesian Legions and auxiliary troops

Abstract

This paper compiles information on the sites where stamped bricks and tiles of the Lower Moesian army (legions, cohorts, alae and classis) have been discovered. The analysis is also concerned with the locations of artefacts associated with the army in military (castra), semi-military (canabae and nearby vici) as well as civilian (towns, villae rusticae) contexts.1 The author also reviews existing publications on the subject, as well as provides maps of distribution networks. According to the author, there is no convincing evidence of the supply of military building ceramics in Lower Mesa for civilian use. It should be noted, however, there is no shortage of them at semi-military sites in canabae and vici near military strongholds. Coming across bricks and tiles of a specifi c military unit in a particular location does not immediately mean that the manufacturer of these artifacts was stationed there. The material may have been transported to specifi c military facilities. Based on the maps included in the article, we can see the productive activity as well as the military activity of the lower moesian army during the Principate period. It was not the purpose of this text to present a detailed analysis of the logistics of military building ceramics in Lower Moesia because it is a very complex process, requiring further, separate very in-depth studies.