Ceramic fragments of lanterns in context: finds from the western canabae legionis from Nijmegen (prov. Gelderland)

Abstract

Remains of at least four so-called chimney pots or lanterns were excavated in the canabae of Nijmegen. They are fragments of a locally produced wheel-turned and round type, distributed in Britain and along the Rhine and Danube limes. So far, there are no traces of its use indicating its function; therefore, it is sought to analyse the find context of the lanterns. In the cases of available information on find contexts they come from sanctuaries, bath houses, villae rusticae and workshops. In Nijmegen the find contexts possibly indicate a use in sanctuaries and baths at hypocaust systems. Finally, it remains to examine whether lanterns can be interpreted as evidence for bath houses and sanctuaries.