An archaeometric investigation in a consumption context: Exotic, imitation and traditional ceramic productions from the Forum of Cumae (southern Italy)

Fifty ceramic sherds of Roman Coarse Ware collected in the Forum of Cumae have been characterized from an archaeometric point of view in order to define their production technologies and the provenance of geological raw materials, potentially used for their manufacture. Results highlighted broad technological differences in terms of CaO and carbonate contents, as well as textural features of aplastic inclusions as a function of the intended uses of the ceramic artefacts. Definitely, cooking wares were made using low-CaO clays with poorly or moderate sorted inclusions arranged in a bimodal (or negatively skewed) distribution. Tablewares and other utilitarian wares were made using high-CaO clay, generally with the occurrence of carbonate fragments in the tempers. This investigation allowed for distinguishing local or micro-regional productions (i.e., Pompeian Red Ware, Colour-coated ware, Common cookware, African- and Aegean-like pottery) from the exotic ones, such as a Graue Platte fragment and some ceramic sherds belonging to African and Aegean repertoires. The wide variety of fabrics observed for ceramic materials collected in this consumption context reflects the crucial role of the Phlegraean city in the production and circulation of pottery in the whole Mediterranean area between the 2nd century BCE to the 7th century CE.