Collyrium Stamps

An Indicator of Regional Practices in Roman Gaul

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7174703
AutoresPatricia Baker (0000-0002-6903-3834, University of Kent, autor correspondente)
Ano2011
Volume14
Fascículo1-2
Páginas158-189
Data de publicação2011-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoEuropean Journal of Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1461-9571 • E-ISSN: 1741-2722
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1179/146195711798369364
OpenAlexW1987461451
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências 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