Abstrakt
On many roman camps stamped brick material considerably widens our knowledge about different building phases. Current dating is based mostly on epigraphic analyses which are not accurate in most cases.
They often provide timespan stretching for decades or centuries. However there is some amount of in situ finds that can be dated more precisely.
Thanks to the uniqueness of every die used for stamping, these finds can serve as dating base for stamped bricks from different locations. The focus here is on Vindobona as production centre and its distribution area which stretches to Ad Mures and covers even the objects in barbaricum, like those in Velký Kýr-Milanovce or Mušov-Burgstall.
The amount of stamped bricks found in whole area exceeds 5000. In order to process such a big amount of finds with accuracy, new methodological approach using computer support was chosen.
Morphometric analyses are in this case more accurate and promising than typological approach. Data are collected and measured from vertical photos of stamps.
The analysis examines the shape of edge of stamp impression and then it compares its exact dimensions. Comparative criteria were developed precisely for the roman stamped brick material.
With similar methods, but more precise criteria are explored the possibilities of identifying stamp fragment on the basis of compliance with whole stamps. This methods takes into account also the position of the letters.