Terra sigillata
Terra sigillata
Terra sigillata (pronunciation: /ˈtɛrə sɪdʒɪˈlɑːtə/) is a type of ceramic that was widely used in the Roman Empire. The term is Latin for "sealed earth".
Etymology
The term "terra sigillata" is derived from the Latin words "terra", meaning "earth", and "sigillata", meaning "sealed" or "stamped". This refers to the method of production, where the pottery was stamped with specific designs before being fired.
Description
Terra sigillata pottery is characterized by its red, glossy surface, which is achieved through a specific firing process. The pottery is typically decorated with stamped designs, which can include scenes from mythology, animals, or geometric patterns.
Production
The production of terra sigillata pottery was a major industry in the Roman Empire, with major production centers in Gaul, Hispania, and North Africa. The pottery was widely exported and has been found at archaeological sites throughout the empire.
Related Terms
- Ceramic: A hard, brittle, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material made by shaping and then firing a nonmetallic mineral, such as clay, at a high temperature.
- Roman Empire: The post-Republican period of ancient Rome. As a polity it included large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia ruled by emperors.
- Gaul: A historical region of Western Europe during the Iron Age that was inhabited by Celtic tribes, encompassing present day France, Luxembourg, Belgium, most of Switzerland, and parts of Northern Italy, Netherlands, and Germany.
- Hispania: The Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula and its provinces.
- North Africa: The northernmost region of Africa, the United Nations definition includes seven countries or territories; Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Sudan.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Terra sigillata
- Wikipedia's article - Terra sigillata
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