This research delves into the preservation of wooden furniture excavated from Hercu- laneum, employing experimental archaeol- ogy. The primary goal is to comprehend the sequence of events leading...Show moreThis research delves into the preservation of wooden furniture excavated from Hercu- laneum, employing experimental archaeol- ogy. The primary goal is to comprehend the sequence of events leading to the survival of these artefacts. Central to this study is the research question of how experimen- tal archaeology can elucidate the lifespan and events surrounding archaeological ar- tefacts, particularly the wooden Roman furniture unearthed from Herculaneum. To address this question, the study delves into sub-questions related to the impact of the Vesuvius eruption on Herculaneum, the rep- lication of charring conditions, and the ef- fects of charring on wooden materials. Herculaneum faced pyroclastic surges and flows during the eruption, resulting in a 20-metre layer of ash and debris that pre- served wooden artefacts by rapidly sub- merging and preventing burning through oxygen deprivation. Samples were made in accordance with the wood and toolmarks found on the original artefacts, using ancient woodworking tools and two types of wood, oak and silver fir. Two charring methods, hot-ash and kiln charring, were designed and tested on the samples. Results indicate that hot-ash charring yields less blackening and carbonization com- pared to kiln charring with variations in vol- ume and weight loss between oak and silver fir samples. Notably, the combined process of hot-ash and kiln charring showed com- parable or reduced volume and weight loss compared to the sole kiln process, sug- gesting effective preservation. However, in terms of the traceability of tool marks ap- plied to the samples, no notable differences were found. All tested methods preserved the details of the samples after charring when performed correctly. Emphasising the need for improved meth- ods and tools to refine experiments, the research concludes that, despite challeng- es in method control in hot-ash firing, the combined charring method may result in the best preservation of the artefacts. With minor improvements, this method could be used to produce samples for experimental trials and in extent to gain a better under- standing of the Herculaneum furniture and how Roman carpenters made them.Show less
The thesis discusses the available historical and archaeological evidence regarding the Severan campaigns between 208-211 and its preceding preparations in both England and Scotland.
This thesis is based on the hypothesis that women were present in Roman forts during the time that the Dutch limes was functioning as a border of the Roman Empire. Many castella were built along...Show moreThis thesis is based on the hypothesis that women were present in Roman forts during the time that the Dutch limes was functioning as a border of the Roman Empire. Many castella were built along the limes to help regulate and keep watch over the transport via the Rhine. One of these castella was Albaniana, located at present time Alphen aan den Rijn. This castellum has been well documented through excavations and archaeological material. However, the view of Roman forts and its inhabitants has been aged and is no longer correct. In the past, Roman forts have been thought of as exclusively male, with soldiers and officers of the Roman army occupying them. Nevertheless, in several cases it has been proven through the archaeological record that women were in fact present within these military communities, and not just as visitors. The extent of their presence can be seen within multiple finds categories. To determine whether or not it is possible to state that women were in fact present at castellum Albaniana, the metal finds found by metal detector in the soil that was dug up from the Rhine riverbed were analysed and compared with earlier research completed in the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Allison 2006; Furger 1990). First the metal finds from the landfill were analysed by category, separating personal objects from domestic objects. Features such as extensive decoration or female marks were observed closely, to see whether an object could be associated to female dress or adornment. When possible, finds were sorted into tables to compare sizes. Smaller sizes of rings and brooches for example might point to female possession as well. Next, the amount of material associated with female possession in total was analysed and through this information the research questions were answered, showing that women and perhaps even children were present in the fort of Alphen aan den Rijn.Show less
This thesis tried to give a new answer concerning cross- cultural interaction between the Roman and Sasanian Realm. Wheareas most literature concludes that interaction between these realms was...Show moreThis thesis tried to give a new answer concerning cross- cultural interaction between the Roman and Sasanian Realm. Wheareas most literature concludes that interaction between these realms was almost impossible, blocked by war, this thesis tried to give another option. Namely, that there is reason to believe there was contact, on economic, stately and social level.Show less
This thesis presents a spatial analysis of insula V ii in Roman Ostia, the principal harbour city of Imperial Rome. The Severan and final phase of occupation of the insula are compared with each...Show moreThis thesis presents a spatial analysis of insula V ii in Roman Ostia, the principal harbour city of Imperial Rome. The Severan and final phase of occupation of the insula are compared with each other to gain a better understanding of the architectural and spatial changes that took place between the Severan phase, and the final occupation of the insula. This thesis seeks to answer the following question: How did the spatial organisation of insula V ii change between the Severan phase and the final phase? In order to answer this question, space syntax methods are used. By comparing the integration (real relative asymmetry) and control values of the units in the buildings between the two phases, an estimate can be given of the amount of privacy and the importance of the rooms. This thesis argues that, between the Severan and the final phase, a shift towards more privacy in the city block occured.Show less
In the broader historical debate Religion in Carthage has had some polarizing views when it comes to Roman Imperialism. Colonial and Anti-Colonial views made it look as if the relationship between...Show moreIn the broader historical debate Religion in Carthage has had some polarizing views when it comes to Roman Imperialism. Colonial and Anti-Colonial views made it look as if the relationship between the peoples of North Africa and the Romans was rather static and one-sided. In response to that I have tried to elaborate those ideas that support the workings of a more dynamic approach where the North African peoples in close collaboration gave new meaning to both the old and the new interpretations of the various deities present within the near vicinity of Carthage. Although it does seem that a distinction between identities can be made, they appear to be far less significant than previously assumed.Show less
In this thesis Roman tombstone inscriptions and letters are investigated. Two views on death are used for analysis of tombstone texts. The one, is a view of death as the slowly exiting of the soul...Show moreIn this thesis Roman tombstone inscriptions and letters are investigated. Two views on death are used for analysis of tombstone texts. The one, is a view of death as the slowly exiting of the soul from the world of the living to the other-worldly, called expiration. The other is a view of death as the ultimate final moment in which nothing exists, called termination. What can tombstone inscriptions –complemented with letters – tell us about how mourning worked for individuals in Roman society? What does mourning mean to Romans? In what way are mourning, display of grief and bereavement – expressed through burial rituals and on gravestones – typically Roman and in what way is it timeless? Romans tried to preserve memory of the deceased with elaborate funerals, with appealing inscriptions and with a very large variety of different tombstone inscriptions, in this way respect was paid to the dead.Show less
A thesis that looks into the position, the function and the look of private and public nymphaea throughout the ancient Roman city of Ostia. The research presented in this this thesis is primarily...Show moreA thesis that looks into the position, the function and the look of private and public nymphaea throughout the ancient Roman city of Ostia. The research presented in this this thesis is primarily based on a new paradigm in the social sciences called ‘mobilities’ and the method of space syntax.Show less
There is extensive discussion amongst scholars as to the origin and flourishing of the phenomenon of the living deified ruler. The so-called ruler cult quickly gains popularity in the Hellenistic...Show moreThere is extensive discussion amongst scholars as to the origin and flourishing of the phenomenon of the living deified ruler. The so-called ruler cult quickly gains popularity in the Hellenistic era and continues long into the Roman period. Although scholars have long been trying to find an explanation for this in the source material, none have succeeded in finding one which satisfies all. It is possible that the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) could provide us with a new framework in which to place the already exciting evidence. Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary and scientific investigation of the mind and intelligence. Its advantages are that it focusses on general ‘laws’ of thinking that follow out of the structure of our brains. It follows then, that these are theories that should be applicable across cultures and, since the structure of our brains has not evolved since the beginning of history (ca. 3000 B.C.), they are also applicable through time. Cognitive science could therefore help in providing a framework in which the current theories on the ruler cult can function, by indicating what is even humanly possible to think based on the structure of the brain. It could perhaps, even suggest the most likely theories that can be discovered given certain tendencies the human mind has. This research examines the possibility of applying the Cognitive Science of Religion in the origin and flourishing of the Hellenistic and Roman ruler cults, as well as the study of Ancient History in general. It does this by examining the viability of the so-called Standard Model (a seven-point construct that outlines the major areas of consensus in CSR) in the primary material of the Hellenistic and Roman periods.Show less
The ancient Roman city of Ostia has captured the imagination of visitors and the interest of scholars for centuries. However, despite numerous past and current research projects many aspects of the...Show moreThe ancient Roman city of Ostia has captured the imagination of visitors and the interest of scholars for centuries. However, despite numerous past and current research projects many aspects of the site have remained unexplored. One of these areas concerns the role of mosaic floors found in Ostia’s commercial spaces. Although most have been described and some have been ascribed an advertising function in previous publications, no collective study into their role has been done before. This thesis focussed on exploring the role of mosaic floors in the commercial spaces of Ostia built and used in the first, second and third centuries AD. Thereby looking to identify any general trends which might explain the individual or collective decision taken to use mosaic floors in certain commercial spaces and not in others. But also aiming to bring to light which specific functions the mosaics fulfilled. Data has been collected for this research by performing a survey in Ostia as well as studying literature on Ostian mosaics, especially Becatti’s publication from 1961. Clarke’s ideas on non-elite Roman art (Clarke 2003) and the influence of the composition of black-and-white mosaics on the viewer (Clarke 1979) have been very important to interpret the data. This thesis argues that there are several reasons why mosaics would have been preferred over non-mosaics in several of Ostia’s commercial spaces. All mosaics were probably preferred over cheaper floor types as they gave the spaces a more luxurious look, which would attract (better paying) customers. Furthermore, the alternating periods of economic decline and improvement seen in the city could also have been of influence. In addition, a variety of more specific functions has been detected: advertisement, status display, expression of identity and ownership, pleasing the gods and providing a focal point for auctions. The knowledge gained through this study has given insight in the ways owners of commercial spaces in the Roman period used decorations to influence (potential) customers. But also how owners used these art forms to express personal ideas and values. Which is an interesting addition to our understanding of commerce in the Roman world.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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While methodological examinations and evaluations on post-depositional processes, sampling, surface collection, the definition of ‘site’ and other phenomena in intensive and extensive surveys...Show moreWhile methodological examinations and evaluations on post-depositional processes, sampling, surface collection, the definition of ‘site’ and other phenomena in intensive and extensive surveys already came to the fore in the 1980s, less theoretical and methodological attention seems to be given to the archaeological process that takes place from the collection of the finds on the surface to the modes of archaeological interpretation. Although ceramological analyses often play a large role in reconstructing the past, especially in survey archaeology, the capabilities of the ceramologist in the ascription of chronology, function and provenance are often limited, resulting in a dataset that consists of data on various resolutions. In this light, a certain tension between our aim, providing a detailed reconstruction of the past, and our actual capabilities has to be acknowledged. These data, however, are the data we have to work with. This thesis explores the limits of our capabilities and dataset by applying a wide range of distributive and quantitative methods from a chronological and functional point of view. Although the survey data appear to be often biased to some extent, each of the applied methods is also fundamentally biased and is giving its own character to the dataset under examination. In this light, it should be stressed that the ‘source criticism’, which is often argued for in research, should be accompanied by a certain ‘instrumental criticism’. What seems to be apparent on the basis of the methodological exercises that are carried out in this thesis is a clear need to examine the archaeological record on the surface in its own right and context, as some of the methods applied clearly gave a different character to our own dataset when compared to the datasets of, for instance, the Eastern Korinthia Archaeological Survey and Sagalassos. In this light, the complexity of the formation of the archaeological record and even our own datasets should be acknowledged and a wide range of quantitative and distributive methods should be carried out in further research to comparatively examine and evaluate the complexity we encounter from the ‘raw’ data revealed by archaeology.Show less
