Roman Samian Ware by Guy de la Bedoyere

Roman samian ware, the fine red-slip glossy pottery found on Roman sites across the Western Empire, is one of the most distinctive products of the Roman world. It turns up in huge amounts, especially on urban and military sites. Most was made in Gaul (France) at various locations, such as La Graufesenque in South Gaul (1st century AD), and Les Martres-de-Veyre and Lezoux in Central Gaul (early 2nd and 2nd century AD respectively). Most consisted of plain dishes and cups, sometimes bearing name stamps of the potters, but the decorated forms attract the most attention. The distinctive designs and motifs make it possible to identify the work of individual potters. Archaeologists use samian ware as a dating tool, since if the work of a potter can be identified in a dated context then by extension his work can help date other contexts. BEWARE of the residual factor though - as a valuable item samian ware could survive in use for a long time after it was made.