Stamped bricks from the ager cosanus (Orbetello, Grosseto): integrating archaeometry, archaeology, epigraphy and prosopography

This paper documents a comprehensive study of thirty-two stamped bricks found in territory of the ancient town of Cosa (Ansedonia, Grosseto). The geographical distribution of these materials distinguished 'municipal' productions, i.e. those found within the territory of Cosa (ager cosanus) only, and 'urban' productions, i.e. those found in the ager cosanus, as well as in the territory comprising Rome and its suburbs and/or the entire Tiber Valley. Main aim of the study was to verify the provenance of 'municipal' productions, by a combination of archaeological, epigraphical, prosopographical and archaeometrical (OM, SEM-EDS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, INAA) research instruments and techniques. Data integration revealed that six 'municipal' productions (over a total of nine) were produced in the territory surrounding the Cosa's promontory, using marine and fluvial clayey deposits. Conversely, three 'municipal' productions were assigned to the 'urban' area, and possibly assigned to the Tiber Valley. An important distinction was made among the 'urban' productions, proving the feasibility of their discrimination. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.