A new hypothesis on the presence of local elites from Barcino in Laietanian wine production: the case of Lucius Minicius Natalis

Abstract

This paper intends to clarify the role played by the Roman elites in the production and distribution of wine produced in the Provincia Hispania Citerior. We propose the interpretation of stamps l·m·n, and l·m·n o, documented in Dressel 2-4 Laietanian amphorae, in relation to a Lucius Minicius Natalis. Given the chronology of these vessels –c. ad 30-40– this individual might have been a direct ancestor of the consuls from Barcino who bore this name and whose cursus honorum underwent during the time of emperors Trajan and Hadrian. To raise this hypothesis we have carried out an extensive review of the epigraphic evidence on amphorae, as well as the prosopographical study of the gens Minicia and fundi that would control the ager of Barcino. After such an analysis, we conclude that the most plausible option is to understand these epigraphic stamps on amphora as Lucius Minicius Natalis and Lucius Minicius Natalis Opus or Officina, respectively. Therefore, this interpretation of the epigraphic evidence allows us to conclude that most probably, the richness of the well-known Minicii Natales, who developed a consular career, must have had its origin in the wine production of their ancestors in the ager of Barcino.

Keywords

• laietania
• ánforas
• epigrafía
• instrumentum domesticum
• redes comerciales