The Misconception of Comparing Gaza and Cilician Wines Through the Use of LRA 1 and LRA 4, and the Methodological Restrictions of Comparing Military and Civilian Sites

Abstract

The economy is central to an empire’s military and overall sustainability. This interdependence, especially in the Roman Empire, has drawn significant scholarly attention. However, research methodologies in this area often remain underexplored and flawed. This article examines assumptions linking Late Roman Amphora 1 (LRA 1) to Cilician wine and military supply via the Annona militaris, and Late Roman Amphora 4 (LRA 4) to Gaza wine and civilian markets. An ‘inside-out’ approach is employed to analyse amphora contents, reuse potential, and distribution processes. Critical questions include whether LRA 1 and LRA 4 can be definitively linked to specific wines or uses, and how to distinguish state-provided supplies from privately purchased ones. This study challenges key assumptions about amphora classification, provisioning practices, and the definition of the Annona militaris. By addressing these methodological issues, it aims to refine our understanding of Roman economic and military logistics, offering a more accurate perspective on the distribution of commodities in the eastern Mediterranean.