An Introduction to the Study of Terra Sigillata. By Felix
Oswald and T. Davies Pryce. (Longman. 42s. not.)—To students of Roman archaeology this elaborate treatise on what is commonly called " Samian " ware, from the chronological standpoint, will be of the greatest value. Excavations on Roman sites in Britain almost always reveal specimens of red glazed pottery. Continental scholars call it "terra alginate" became much, though not all, of it is stamped with figures or patterns. British antiquaries called it " Samiau " because of its resemblance to the pottery made at Samoa and other Greek centres. But this red glazed pottery came in fact from Gaul—at first from the south, especially the Auvergne, and later fleas what are now Lorraine, Alsace and the Palatinate. Many specimens bear the names of their potters. The authors have collected and arranged an immense mass of details relating to the red ware found on various sites, some of which can be dated, with the object of using these fragments of pottery as a chronological guide. They discuss the development of the ware during the first three centuries of our era and illustrate the typical forms and decorations in a long series of plates, giving the source for each of the innumerable specimens reproduced. They provide lists of potters' names with the localities where their work has been found. Thus the wares of Atepomarus, a potter working at Lezoux, near Clermont Ferrand, about the year 50, have been identified at Silehester. There must have been a largo export trade in this pottery from Gaul, despite the difficulties of trans- port, until the chief potteries were destroyed by the German invaders. When the import ceased, the red ware was imitated by native or immigrant potters at Caistor and other places in England.
Previous page
