The production, dispersion and use of bricks in Hispania

Resumen

We discuss the use of opus testaceum at major archaeological sites in the Iberian Peninsula (Hispania). We have analysed the bricks from the standpoint of production, distribution, morphology, and fabric type. This is accompanied by a review of the known brick stamps in the region, which in certain cases, suggest the existence of imperial workshops. This study is part of the larger project Corpus documental, Métodos de análisis de la Arquitectura, Técnicas y Sistemas Constructivos romanos. Definición de la Cultura Arquitectónica en el Círculo del Estrecho (HAR2012-36963-C05-01), which has provided the opportunity to examine the whole process from the manufacture at the figlinae to the final use in the building. This cross-disciplinary method of analysis is new for Hispania because, so far, both disciplines – architecture and ceramology – seem to have had autonomous areas of inquiry. It is well known that the use of bricks in Hispania is rare in urban settings, where it is relegated, almost exclusively, to baths. The absence of experienced tile-makers in manufacturing these pieces, has been used as the main argument to explain the rarity of opus testaceum. However, analysis of the advanced use of bricks and tiles employed in thermal complexes does not seem to support this idea.