Journal of Roman Pottery Studies Volume 17

This volume publishes papers relating to new research on Roman period ceramics. Two papers present evidence of Late Iron Age and early Roman pottery forms and fabrics from west and east Kent: from West Malling, including transitional wares, and by Sholden villa, with groups of second century date including samian. Ceramic fire-dogs discovered in the area of the Dutch Lowlands and Flanders brings to attention a type of find that may prove to be more common than previously noted. The same may be the case with portable Roman ceramic ovens and baking plates recorded in recent years in Britain; these two papers contribute to a growing corpus and debate on Roman cooking, ‘fast-food’ and functions. Amphorae from the eastern Mediterranean in northern Europe and pottery used in Roman ritual and religion noting distinct types and trends often involving symbolism are dicussed. Details of the pottery production site at Snape, Suffolk, and the types produced, are described. This volume also features ‘retrospectives’ as Beth Richardson, Peter Webster and Christopher Young reflect on their careers and experiences working with pottery, looking to the future and the volume also contains reviews and obituaries.