Hofheim

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The second volume of the “Studies on Hofheim” features four articles completed by 1996, focusing on Samian Ware from excavations conducted between 1955 and 1991 at the stone fortress and the adjacent vicus. This includes Dirk Allgaier’s 1992 master thesis, while Samian from the earlier earthwork fortress, partly published in 1912, is excluded. The stone fortress is recognized as a “dated site,” making the publication of its Samian an essential element in establishing the chronological framework for this pottery type. The fortress underwent three construction phases: an A.D. 74/76 timber-earth wall with numerous towers, a subsequent phase with fewer towers, and, following a major fire in 97/98, a stone fortification featuring new internal structures with 12 barracks instead of the original 14/16. These were dismantled during Trajan's reign when the limes was relocated eastward. The vicus, which had two timber phases and one stone phase, remained inhabited until the 3rd century. The Samian findings align well with historical and numismatic dating, indicating the vicus's abandonment around 230. Analysis of the spatial distribution shows a concentration of plates in crew barracks and bowls in centurions’ buildings.