New insights on the roman brick industry: The production and distribution of ceramic building material in central Italy (ca. 50 bce-300 CE)

Brick represents a class of archaeological artifacts most commonly found across ancient Roman sites. The Romans favored ceramic building material for its durability and adaptability to architectural forms. The most impressive monuments of ancient Rome, still standing today, were built on a lasting foundation of fired brick. Natural claybeds were abundant in the vicinity of Rome, allowing the continuous manufacture of brick in large quantities to meet the growing demand, both in the capital and in the territories under its influence. The brick industry, in tandem with the construction industry, was one of the most important businesses in ancient Rome. A readily available supply of brick was necessary for the construction and maintenance of entire towns and cities following the increasing standardization of Roman building practices across an expanding empire.This dissertation delves into an ongoing discourse on the brick industry in Rome in connection to a developing regional trade network. In particular, focus will be given to the organization and impact of the brick industry in Rome and in cities within its immediate periphery. The evidence of brick stamps found at Cosa and Gabii demonstrates two similar, yet ultimately diverging practices of brick acquisition. Regulatory changes in the industry affected the distribution strategies of commercial brick both within Rome and for the cities connected to its markets by trade ties.