The origins of Roman bricks: a similarity network approach

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Abstract

This paper addresses the question of the origin of Roman fired bricks from the perspective of diffusion of innovations. It is seen as a part of a larger process, related to cultural evolution and the transferal of behavioural habits through social interaction. Fired bricks are particularly well suited to shed light on this topic, since the diffusion of bricks was both irregular and extended over a long period of time. Thus, we can outline different stages of the process: periods of rapid spread, discontinuance, re-invention and breakthrough. The present study is founded on the collection and careful compilation of reported finds of Hellenistic fired bricks. The resulting database offers a unique overview of a usually neglected material. Alongside with traditional contextualised investigations, the data was explored through network analysis. It could be shown that the distribution of brick finds is indeed the result of a diffusion process, as opposed to independent development. The combination of different approaches to the material also provides a basis for well-founded hypotheses on the development of fired bricks.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAlle origine del laterizio romano: nascita e diffusione del mattone cotto nel Mediterraneo tra IV e I sec. a.C.
Subtitle of host publicationAtti del II Convegno internazionale “Laterizio”, Padova, 26–28 aprile 2016
EditorsJ. Bonetto, E. Bukowiecki , R. Volpe
Place of PublicationRoma
PublisherQuasar
Pages9-24
ISBN (Print)978-88-7140-940-5
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Mar
EventAlle origini del laterizio romano: Nascita e diffusione del mattone cotto nel Mediterraneo tra IV e I sec. a.C. - Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
Duration: 2016 Apr 262016 Apr 28

Publication series

NameCostruire nel mondo antico
PublisherEdizioni Quasar
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceAlle origini del laterizio romano
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityPadova
Period2016/04/262016/04/28

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

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