A SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PRODUCTION AND USAGE OF CERAMIC BUILDING MATERIALS IN ANCIENT VIMINACIUM

Favourable physical characteristics, modularity and standardised, but still various forms and sizes, as well as the aesthetic values, made fired brick one of the most valuable historical building materials. Local geological setting and army organisation made it possible for the Roman Viminacium construction industry to obtain quality raw material in sufficient quantity and easily combine it into a final product. Its CBM production started in the early 2nd century and declined in the end of the 3rd century, although its products were used much longer, for the construction and covering of the walls, arches and vaults, floors and roofs, as well as for water and heating systems. The vast majority of the bricks for funeral masonry constructions, were already used, confirming the rationality in Roman building practice, offering an example of the circular economy we strive for today.