The Use of Braziers in the Roman-Period Phocaea in Light of the Findings

Abstract

Braziers used for heating in ancient times and can generally be described as portable stoves made of terracotta or bronze. They usually consisted of a basin where the charcoal in the form of embers was placed to heat the container above, and stands that served as feet to hold the vessel erect. The discovery of brazier fragments in ancient Phocaea, located in modern-day Eski Foça, Izmir, provides a window into domestic life during the Roman Imperial period. They reveal not only the daily needs of the city’s inhabitants but also cultural continuity despite technological advancements. The similarity in form between these fragments and earlier examples indicates continuity in design while also reflecting modifications made to accommodate the evolving needs of Roman households. Furthermore, the Phocaea brazier fragments provide evidence that terracotta examples of such devices continued to be used in Anatolia, particularly until the Roman Imperial period. The brazier fragments examined in this study were recovered together with common wares dated to the middle of the third century AD.

Keywords

• Phocaea
• brazier
• cooking ware
• ceramic
• Roman Imperial period

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