Abstract:

The aim of this study is to present a synthesis of amphora production in the Early Empire from the Tarraconensis central coastal area. In this territory, amphora production begins in Augustan period, with a marked delay compared with other peninsula areas. We detail the amphora types produced, becoming apparent a clear predominance of Dressel 2-4 type. Other wine amphorae (Gauloise 4 and Almadrava IV) are exclusive from the territorium of Dianium, as well as the oil amphorae Oliva 3. We analyse the information about the workshops and the epigraphy from each specific area. Beside the figlinae of Saguntum and Dianium, in the last decades it has been detected workshops in the surroundings of Edeta, Saetabis and, especially, Valentia. We update the state of research about the extension of their trade in the western half of the Roman Empire, discussing the problematic attribution of different stamps to this area. The picture showed is restricted by the absent of systematic research program, as well as the low presence of these productions in the scientist literature.