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In piscibus diversis; the Bone Evidence for Fish Consumption in Roman Britain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2010

Alison Locker
Alison Locker
Affiliation:
Menton, France, galocker@cegetel.net
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Fish bone assemblages from 109 sites were analysed for evidence of Roman influence on fish consumption. Temporal divisions within the period were not informative, but sites were divided by region. Secondary evidence, including amphorae and fishing tackle, was also considered. Eel was most common overall but some species were regionally important, e.g. salmon. Towns and villas showed the greatest range of fish, from freshwater and inland marine fisheries and also imported salted fish and fish-sauce. Native sites continued to show restricted fish consumption from very local sources, while Roman sites suggested an increase in variety and some evidence for status, which may result from cultural change in culinary practices.

Keywords

Roman BritainRoman dietfish bone (Roman)fish-sauce (garum)fish consumptionRoman cooking
Type
Articles
Information
Britannia , Volume 38 , November 2007 , pp. 141 - 180
Copyright
Copyright © Alison Locker 2007. Exclusive Licence to Publish: The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies

References

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