#gallery palace

[fabien-euskadi]

Two (rather pretty) Baetic ceramic pieces, both of them found where once stood the ancient Roman town of Balsa.

Both of these ceramic artifacts were manufactured during the I Century, when Balsa was still one of the most important civitas of the south coast of the Roman province of Lusitania.

[fabien-euskadi]

A few different roman amphorae related with the ancient town of Balsa (actual Torre d'Aires, on the outskirts of the city of Tavira).

The first one (first and second photos) is a baetica (Andalusian) amphora from the I Century CE. This recipient was used to transport garum (a fermented fish sauce whose production was one of the most important economic activities of Balsa; the garum balsenses was exported to the entire western Roman Empire, where it was widely appreciated).

The second amphora (first and third photos) was manufactured in the south of the roman province of Lusitania (Portugal) in the IV or V Century, and it was also used to transport fermented fish sauces.

The third roman amphora (fourth photo) is from the I Century BC, and it was produced in the Italian Peninsula. This ceramic piece was rescued from a shipwreck on the Barrel Beach, not far away from the ancient town of Balsa. Unlike the other two, this amphora was used to transport wine.

[fabien-euskadi]

Three funerary inscriptions found in the territory where once stood the Roman city of Balsa and its outskirts. All these inscriptions are dedicated to the Manes, Roman chthonic deities who were frequently associated with the souls of deceased loved ones.

The first one was found in Balsa (Torre d'Aires) and it's an altar in honour of Aemilia Chaeris, who died in the second half of the II Century, at the age of 27.

The second one was found near the current town of Santa Luzia and it was erected in honour of a certain Caturicus Lupatus, who lived between the end of the II Century and the beggining of the III Century; he lived until the age of 58.

The third one was found in the areq where once stood Balsa (currently Torre d'Aires). This arula (altar) was erected in honour of Sycecale, a girl who managed to live no more than a year and five months. This inscription is also from the II Century.