Romans on the Road

Travelling in the Roman Empire was a revolutionary experience compared to previous eras. Thanks to a well-developed road network stretching across all the provinces, people could long distances more efficiently and safely than ever. The infrastructure that the Imperium Romanum created served as the basis for trade within the vast territories it encompassed.

The so-called terra sigillata was a high-quality, gleaming red type of pottery that was highly prized as fine tableware in Roman antiquity. The name literally means ‘stamped earth’ and refers to the characteristic stamps or signatures. Excavations show that it was found throughout Europe, from Britain to the Middle East, and in North Africa, too. The vessels were transported hundreds of kilometres from the production centres.

This year’s Showcase of the Roman Era focuses on the long distances terra sigillata had to travel to reach the homes of the upper classes in Flavia Solva.