MATERIAL ANALYSIS OF ‘BATAVIAN’ POTTERY FROM ROMAN DACIA:X-RAY FLUORESCENCE AND GRAPH CLUSTERING
MATERIAL ANALYSIS OF ‘BATAVIAN’ POTTERY FROM ROMAN DACIA:X-RAY FLUORESCENCE AND GRAPH CLUSTERING

Summary/Abstract: This research presents a material analysis of pottery discovered at the Roman Dacia stationing site of the ala I Batavorum milliaria. Employing portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) on 69 pottery fragments, the study investigates Batavian material identity, local pottery production, and potential cultural connections. Through agglomerative hierarchical clustering of elemental compositions, the analysis identifies distinct groups of ceramics, including likely imports from the Rhine area, local imitations of Batavian grey ware, and common ‘Dacian’ pottery. The findings provide a quantitative approach to complement traditional ceramic analysis, supporting the concept of conserved practices in pottery production and offering insights into raw material procurement and production techniques. The study underscores the potential of elemental analysis for understanding material culture, production practices, and cultural exchange in the Roman period, while noting the need for further research with comparative data.

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