Roof Tiles with the ΣΩΣΗΝΟΣ Stamp: Calabrian Production in Sic

Abstract

Ever since the 19th century, roof tiles have been found in Sicily and southern Italy that were stamped with the name ΣΩΣΗΝΟΣ. The first discovery occurred at Solunto, and this was then followed by further examples identified at Solunto, as well as Lipari, Messina, Caulonia, and especially Reggio Calabria, where the greatest quantity has been found. Given their area of distribution, it has been claimed that the workshop producing these roof tiles was located either in Sicily or Reggio Calabria. In order to resolve this issue, a study of these artifacts was conducted, employing petrographic analysis. The results obtained have conclusively identified their place of production as the extreme tip of Calabria.