Collyrium Stamps

An Indicator of Regional Practices in Roman Gaul

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7174703
AutoresPatricia Baker (0000-0002-6903-3834, University of Kent, autor de correspondencia)
Año2011
Volumen14
Número1-2
Páginas158-189
Fecha de publicación2011-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaEuropean Journal of Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1461-9571 • E-ISSN: 1741-2722
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1179/146195711798369364
OpenAlexW1987461451
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas36

Collyrium stamps, objects used to mark eye medicines, are more commonly found in Gaul than any other Roman province. Since they appear after Roman occupation, it is believed they evince a spread of Roman medicine, but this idea is not well-supported. Through a detailed study of the collyrium stamps it is apparent that the stamps took on other functions beyond marking remedies. They were used as amulets and votive offerings, signified by the fact that most are made of steatite and schist, almost all are green – a colour associated with eye care, and a number are decorated with magical symbols, and also by their context. Ultimately, the manner in which they were used demonstrates an adaptation of Roman material culture to fit the practices and beliefs based on earlier Iron Age traditions in the region

Adaptation (eye · Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Context (archaeology · Roman Empire · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies · History · Paleopathology and ancient diseases · Psychology