I asked where because context is so important in dating relics like this pottery shard.

When an object is unearthed by archaeologists, the larger site and related objects at a specific layer of deposition help place the find within an historical context. But, a lot of objects get dug up without due research, and history is lost that way...sadly.
Fortunately, in this case your pottery shard has a stylistic element that helps date it to the Roman period. The pottery style is called
terra sigillata, and the border ornamentation is called an "egg border", which is clearly Roman in style (or a local interpretation). Terra sigillata from sites in central and eastern Gaul (modern France and Germany) dates to the 2nd Century AD. Compare your piece to the Roman shards below showing a similar border style. It's possible that with more research of pieces in German museums you might find a stylistic match to a more specific time period or region--good luck!



Edited by DVCollector
03/24/2012 2:22 pm