Bribing Local Spirits or Roman Rubbish: Context in Archaeology - Michael Marshall

TL;DR

Unbroken pots found in wells and building foundations may signify ritual offerings or practical uses in Roman London.

Transcript

we've noticed really recently that we get a lot of this form of pot down wells out of this big sorry it isn't a scale on the first but maybe 40 centimeters high so why are we finding complete pot down wells well they're not rubbish in the sense that you know they're not broken and been thrown away I feel just really like explaining odd things as ri... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 Unbroken pots found in wells may have had ritual or practical uses in Roman London.
• 👋 Foundation deposits in buildings contained specific objects as votive offerings for good fortune.
• 👶 The presence of dice in deposits could relate to Roman beliefs associated with new businesses.
• ❓ Objects within foundation deposits offer clues to the beliefs and practices of Romans in London.
• 🇷🇴 This phenomenon of ritual deposits is a recurring pattern in Roman archaeology.
• ❓ The inclusion of specific objects in deposits may signify symbolic actions or beliefs.
• ❓ The context in which deposits are found provides important clues to their significance.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are unbroken pots found in wells considered significant in archaeology?

Unbroken pots found in wells could have been deposited as ritual offerings or for practical purposes, such as storing water. The context in which they are found can provide insights into their significance.

Q: What are foundation deposits in buildings, and how are they interpreted in archaeology?

Foundation deposits are material culture deliberately placed under buildings. They are interpreted as votive offerings to spirits or gods for ensuring good fortune. Specific objects within these deposits offer clues to their purposes.

Q: How do dice in archaeological deposits relate to Roman beliefs?

Dice found in deposits in Roman London, often associated with specific objects, may signify beliefs tied to setting up new businesses. The act of rolling dice could symbolize a gamble, with offerings made to local spirits for good fortune.

Q: What do specific objects found in foundation deposits tell us about Roman beliefs?

Objects like burnt fruit, broken items, and military-style buckles in foundation deposits offer insight into Roman beliefs and practices. These items may symbolize offerings for good fortune or have specific ritual meanings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Complete pots found in wells may have been used as ritual deposits or for storing water.

• Foundation deposits in buildings containing specific objects could signify offerings for good fortune.

• The presence of dice in deposits may indicate beliefs associated with setting up new businesses in Roman London.