Pooled resources: an experimental investigation of salt production and pottery manufacture within the LIA and Romano-British landscape of Poole Harbour, Dorset.

Abstract

This paper explores links between Late Iron Age and Romano-British industries, around Poole Harbour, Dorset. Focusing on two major economic activities in the production of salt and a major pottery industry, South East Dorset Black Burnished Ware 1 (SEDBB1). Excavation has revealed evidence for a landscape heavily exploited for production and trade from the Late Iron Age. Previous work has identified potential links between crafts in their production techniques, common resources and post-production distribution (e.g. Gerrard 2008; Trim 2017). The irrational distribution of SEDBB1 has been examined theoretically and the ware has been suggested as a proxy for the distribution of Poole Harbour Salt. Examining this hypothesis, this study takes a practical approach to exploring craft commonality and expand the available knowledge of past Poole Harbour industries. Utilising experimental archaeology, to replicate the salt production process, and conventional fieldwork techniques, an increasing scale of industry through time is observed. The role of briquetage elements, technological change and the intended use of SEDBB1 are also clarified. A desk based assessment of spatial and temporal distribution within the study area suggests the presence of a proto-oppidum and the role of imperial control in the success of Poole Harbour products. The study concludes that there is validity to using SEDBB1 as a proxy for other products, though only to military markets. Additionally suggesting Poole Harbour as a major supply facility for the Roman Army, with potential connections with the Classis Britannica.