Supplying wine, olive oil, and fish products at Mălăieşti Roman Fort and Baths

Archaeological research conducted at the Mălăiești Roman Fort between 2011 and 2019 uncovered almost 90 fragments of amphorae. These fragments have been categorized based on their contents: wine, oil, and fish products. Aside from table pitchers and some amphorae likely used for local wine, most of the specimens originated from various Roman provincial exporting centers. The well-known wine exporting centers in the South Pontic region include Heraclea and Sinope. In contrast, the Troesmis X amphorae from the western Black Sea come from an unidentified center. Notably, expensive East Mediterranean wines produced in centers such as Rhodes, Kos, and Chios, as well as those from the western coast of Asia Minor, are also significant. However, only two types of amphorae provide a limited representation of Western Mediterranean centers. Regarding olive oil, it reached Mălăiești in two of the most common amphora types used in military contexts: Dressel 24 and its variant, Dressel 24 Similis, as well as Dressel 25 amphorae. Additionally, amphorae exporting fish products, primarily from the Pontic area, are important to mention. The variety of amphora types and their contents further demonstrate the Roman administration’s commitment to ensuring adequate supplies for the troops