I mattoni di Velia nel quadro delle produzioni laterizie magno-greche

The production of bricks in Velia is one of the most significant aspects of the Hellenistic city. This intense activity is mainly developed for the public building site, as shown by the strict state control. The workshops elaborate peculiar and standardized types, which determine a modular series, sui-table for the different building requirements. The stamping system has two stamps: one ‘constant’, composed of the letters delta-heta, the other ‘va-riable’, consisting of the abbreviation of an anthroponym, an indication of the magistrate or of the owner or manager of the workshop. The stamping system, with the initials delta-heta, abbreviation of the adjective demosios, alludes to the state referring to its main political organism, the demos. The most stringent comparisons come from Neapolis and Pithecusa.