OLIVE OIL IMPORTS ON THE NORTH-WESTERN DACIAN LIMES: THE CASE OF POROLISSUM

Abstract

The study of the amphorae discovered at Porolissum reflects a variety of interregional trade networks. The presence of various types of amphorae carrying olive oil from the eastern and western production centres of the Empire at this site situated on the limes indicates that the diet of military troops and the civilian population of Porolissum included this important element. Regarding the supply, it must be related to a state-organised system for the military troops, while for the civilians must be related to a free market system. The presence of mostly Aegean imports shows that Dacia was linked to the regions in the Eastern Roman Empire that produced and exported olive oil.

Keywords

• amphorae, olive oil, diet, trade networks, dacian limes