The market or temple
A problem of interpretation
Archaeologists haven’t been able to decide what one building was used for. The evidence is set out below. Which interpretation do you think is best?
What did the building look like?
;)
1. The building which may have been a market or temple was next door to the guest house, just across a narrow alleyway. It was a large stone building with a courtyard facing the main road. There was an open corridor on three sides of the courtyard.
;)
2. Â’s reconstruction shows what the market/temple building might have looked like from the road. The market/temple building is on the left.
What objects were found in the building?
The archaeologists found many objects including: coins, glass bottles, pottery, bronze rings and a silver ring, a parrot gemstone, a gold amulet case, brooches, locks and a key.
The evidence for a market place
The layout of the building is similar to other Roman markets.
It is close to the road – to attract customers.
Many coins were used in this building (23 in total).
The evidence for a temple
Archaeologists found a pottery incense burner (tazza).
Beneath the building was a carved stone dedicated to the water nymphs.
The glass bottles and pottery were offerings not rubbish.
Which interpretation do you think is best?
Timeline:
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