Production and distribution of Late Antique utilitarian wares in the micro-region of Vallès (Catalonia, Spain): a perspective from the rural hinterland of Barcino

Abstract

Cooking and common wares presumably produced regionally are frequent in archaeological context of Late Antique rural sites in northeastern Spain. A total of 142 of these wares from four settlements in the region of Vallès, in the surroundings of the ancient city of Barcino/Barcelona, were characterized through a combination of instrumental analytical techniques (OM, WD-XRF, and XRD), with the aim of investigating their provenance and production technology. The results confirm their regional provenance and suggest a local production of a part of the pottery assemblages, while also provide evidence of at least a secondary micro-regional trade during this period.