Archaeological findings

The German environment was not unknown to the Romans. We have evidence of a trade activity in connection with the so-called Amber Route. Luxurious goods for the local aristocracy (gifts, bribes) – silver and gold drinking utensils, bronze kettles and pans or glass containers, gold, silver and bronze coins, jewellery made of precious metals, weapons, spices and wine were exported to Germania. Remains of these luxurious goods are only known from findings in rich tombs of nobles and kings (e.g. rich German grave from Mušov). However, simpler findings of pottery fractions, small jewellery (buckles, bracelets, glass beads) and coins are more frequently found in common German settlements. In the period after the end of the Marcomannic Wars we know of findings of Roman imports from German settlements around military camps. There, findings were collected or exchanged by the local inhabitants when the Romans were leaving. This situation is well illustrated by the inventory of the recessed German cottage in Slavonín. A craftsman who collected Roman remains for further processing (bronze rivet from the gable or belt, bronze box lining, iron knife with a bronze head, etc.) was working in this smith or blacksmith worksho.