Ceramic tube, called tubus fittilus, inv. no. Fiz 226

Dated to: 4th century
Dimensions: height 12,5 cm; diameter 5,2 cm; pin diameter 1,6 cm; weight 187 g

Site: Fizine, underwater archaeological excavations in 2018

 

Ceramic tube has cylindrical shape, tapering at the upper part into a narrow elongated throat, dark orange and spirally ridged. Open at both ends with a wider underside.
Ceramic tubes, known as 'tubi fittili', were used in the construction of vaults and domes in a wide variety of buildings, from cisterns to temples and spas, and in private architecture. They were made on a potter's spindle. The outer surface may be smooth or spirally fluted.
Three examples of similar pipes were discovered at Fizine during archaeological surveys of the seabed in 2018, and they landed on the seabed concurrently indicating that they were thrown off the ship after they had served their purpose, perhaps as wedges to fix amphorae in the hull of the ship. The beginning of the production of such ceramic tubes dates back to the last quarter of the 2nd century. They were made in the pottery workshops of North Africa.