A Matter of Taste? Shared Trade of Salted Fish Produced in Lusitania and Africa Proconsularis (3rd–5th Century AD)

Abstract

This chapter explores the shared trade of salted fish products between Lusitania and Africa Proconsularis from the mid-3rd to the early 5th century AD, as evidenced by shipwrecks in the Mediterranean. Underwater archaeology, particularly the study of amphorae cargoes, provides crucial insights into ancient trade networks and economic structures. The study examines fish-salting factories, amphorae typologies and chemical analyses to determine the nature of fish-based products traded by these two Roman provinces. Findings suggest that Lusitania primarily exported salsamenta and fish sauces made from sardines (Sardina pilchardus), while Africa Proconsularis supplied a broader variety of fish species, including mackerel and anchovies. The presence of mixed cargoes in shipwrecks highlights the commercial integration of these provinces, revealing a structured trade network that extended across the western Mediterranean. By analysing port distributions, shipwreck evidence and archaeological contexts in Sardinian ports such as Turris Libisonis and Olbia, this study reconstructs the dynamics of maritime trade and its evolution over time. The results indicate that North African fish products gradually gained dominance in Mediterranean markets, yet Lusitanian amphorae remained prevalent in mixed cargoes on west–east trade routes. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of consumer preferences, trade organisation and the economic role of fish products in the Late Roman Mediterranean.