Metalli

The excavation of the houses in Insula 104 brought to light approximately 1,200 metal artefacts and associated contexts, providing important information about the architectural features of the dwellings, the activities carried out within them, and the habits of their inhabitants. Among the structural elements, the large quantity of nails and clamps demonstrates the extensive use of wood in the construction of the buildings. Small hinges probably belonged to doors and windows. Finds from inside the houses also included decorative and functional fittings related to furniture, drawers, and cupboards, made both of copper alloy (handles, appliqué ornaments, chains) and iron (hinges, pins, nails, and clamps). In addition, four rectangular box-locks, probably belonging to furniture or chests, and a copper-alloy key-ring were recovered. Together, these finds suggest a wealthy and carefully decorated domestic environment. Metal vessels and furniture are relatively scarce: apart from a multipart copper-alloy pyxis, two pans of different sizes, a skewer, and an iron knife, considered together with the kitchen pottery, provide insight into the inhabitants’ culinary practices. Several tools indicate household and craft activities. Besides twelve small knives, generally associated with women’s work, various iron cutting implements were identified, including two hand axes, a sickle, and two tools probably related to carpentry. A copper-alloy fishhook and a sewing needle were also found, pointing to domestic and textile-related activities. The only weapons recovered are two iron arrowheads dated to the Byzantine period. Personal adornments and dress accessories are limited in number, including a belt buckle ring and tongue, as well as a rectangular copper-alloy belt buckle representing a simplified local production of types widespread throughout the Byzantine world between the sixth and tenth centuries AD.