Gallic Amphorae in Rome (and Ostia) during the Middle Imperial Age: Data Revision and Reflections from the Finds at the ‘Terme Di Elagabalo’ in Rome

Abstract

Starting from the unpublished amphorae discovered in the Middle Imperial contexts (dating 2nd-early 3rd centuries AD) found in the building known as the ‘Terme di Elagabalo’ in Rome, this paper analyses the presence of Gallic containers in Rome and Ostia. The finds from that site will be combined with the ones deriving from several published contexts in Rome with similar dating and compared with those discovered in Ostia (the traditional comparison for the Capital) in order to update the data about their presence in both cities during the chosen chronological period. This paper will also analyse ancient sources that mention Gallic products in order to reflect not only upon their quality, but also their purchasers and consumers, with brief considerations derived from theories in social sciences.