Samian navigator

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Samian navigator
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Archaeological research and source database on stamped and / or relief decorated Terra Sigillata
languages English France
operator Roman-Germanic Central Museum Mainz
editorial staff RGZM , University of Reading , University of Leeds
items approx. 250,000 linkable find data
On-line 2014, public access since 2016 (currently online)
https://www1.rgzm.de/samian/home/frames.htm

The Samian Navigator (also called Samian Research or RGZM Database at Mainz relating to "Names on Terra Sigillata" ) has been a public find database of the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum Mainz and the universities of Reading and Leeds since 2016 . The database is available in English and French .

target

The Samian Navigator is an important research and source database for archeology and find dating on stamped and / or relief decorated terra sigillata . Extensive queries allow a search and link with the name of the potter, the pottery, decorations, transport routes and other technical terms to enable an analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of Terra Sigillata.

history

The online database arose from the idea of digitizing the standard work Names on Terra Sigillata with the work on Gallo-Roman Terra Sigillata by Brian Hartley and Brenda M. Dickinson. The aim of the database was first to digitally record the approximately 200,000 entries of the nine-volume work by Hartley and Dickinson, to incorporate changed interpretations and to make the data statistically evaluable. Constantly expanded since 2014 with new finds and corresponding entries, almost a quarter of a million entries are currently available.

The database uses the term Samian Ware, used in the English-speaking world, which comes from the mention of vasa Samia by Pliny the Elder , but it is not entirely certain whether it refers to Terra Sigillata.

Content and use

In 2015, on the Day of the Monument, excavation finds presented at Fort Gernsheim , identifiable and assignable with the database. Stamp left half of the picture "OFMAS" (OF ficina des MAS culus )
Example of a TS stamp with the inscription "IULIUSF" from the Limeseum

Most of the settings in the search functions have been freely accessible since 2016. Edits and extensions are only possible with registered profiles or are entirely reserved for administrators. The database uses the Adobe Coldfusion Middleware. Plugins (Flash, Java) are required to display the search results. Paul Tyers created a special font ( Samian font ) ( Unicode TrueType font with more than 300 special letters) for the creation of the name search for the Latin potter names or signatures , which offers automatic completion . A large number of attributes can be included in the search, such as type (Roman or Gallo-Germanic), the form of manufacture, existing registration numbers, location , place names, exhibition or storage location and others. In the output, the various signatures of a potter or find structure and their find or evidence are given, where available a redrawn signature or photo (s) assigned. A statistical evaluation of forms of discovery, time allocation, distribution in the former Roman area and other evaluations are possible.

As an example, the finds of the assigned potter Masculus at the site of the Vicus and Fort Gernsheim are given, the temporal distribution of the previous finds (status 2018) from around 45 to 105 a. Z. to be assigned to the fort, and finds from around 205 to 260 a. Z., which are to be assigned to the later vicus in Gernsheim.

Usage license

The online database is used under a Digital Peer Publishing License (Version 3, German)

literature

  • Brian Hartley, Brenda M. Dickinson: Names on Terra Sigillata: an index of makers' stamps & signatures on Gallo-Roman Terra Sigillata (Samian ware) . Nine volumes, University of London Institute of Classical Studies, London 2008–2012.
  • Marcus Schröter: Successful Research - Classical Studies and Archeology . Walter de Gruyter Verlag, Berlin / Boston 2017, ISBN 978-3-11-029902-1 , p. 124.

About the software architecture

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. Dr. Gabriel Bodard at i3mainz , press release from the i3mainz Institute - Institute for Spatial Information and Measurement Technology ; accessed on November 2, 2018
  2. ^ Brian R. Hartley et al .: Names on terra sigillata. An index of makers' stamps & signatures on Gallo-Roman terra sigillata (Samian ware) . 9 volumes. University of London Institute of Classical Studies, London 2008–2012.
  3. Exactly 248,677 entries on October 25, 2018.
  4. ^ Compare with Pliny: Naturalis historia 35, 160; Eschbaumer 2001, p. 274
  5. DPPLLicenseSamian ; accessed on October 24, 2018