ROMAN KITCHENWARE, CULINAE AND AREAS INDICATIVEOF COOKING ACTIVITIES IN THE LEGIONARY FORTRESSFROM POTAISSA

The aim of this research effort focuses on offering a larger and more complete picture of all kitchenware forms utilized by legio V Macedonica within the legionary fortress from Potaissa. The need for such information for this particular fortress arises especially due to the intriguing lack of areas which are normally designated only for cooking, such as kitchen/culinae, hearths within the military barracks, bakehouses, ovens etc. Another peculiar aspect is the presence of large quantities of tableware and cookware within the legionary baths/thermae. While in theory we know where and how the soldiers could have cooked their food, my hope is that through analyzing the totality of kitchenware discovered in this garrison we could observe patterns which would then offer direct insight into possible areas indicative of cooking activities. Of the circa 10.000 individual ceramic wares I have analyzed for this military camp, a total of 607 (6.07 %) represent forms employed in food preparation and cooking activities. Based on their shape and functionality, the vasa coquinatoria assemblages at Potaissa can be divided in six main groups: 1) strainers (four types); 2) mixing bowls (eleven types); 3) mortaria (Category A – one type; Category B – four types; Category C – eight types); 4) frying/baking pans (seven types); 5) pots (thirteen types); 6) lids (six types). Two further forms will make for separate studies.