Aspects of Roman Pottery in Canton Ticino (Switzerland)

Description

This work deals with the classification and study of Roman pottery from the Locarno region of Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in order to establish a reference typology and chronology which may have wider value in Ticino and northern Italy. The Roman graves from the region range from the beginning of the 1st century AD to the end of the 4th century, with a concentration during the 1st and 2nd centuries. The analysis of coarse and thin-walled pottery has highlighted the informative potential of these materials, considering various aspects such as forms, fabrics, decoration, chronology, origin and distribution. Analysis of the coarse pottery and associated sigillata, glassware and coins seems to suggest centres with stronger Roman influence and centres with stronger native background linked to the settlement of Locarno-Muralto. Parallels with finds from the Verbano region and western Lombardy-eastern Piemonte, particularly the area between the rivers Sesia, Po and Adda were highlighted.