Roman pottery, defined for convenience as that made and used within Italy and the Roman provinces between about 100 BC and AD 600, can be characterized by a group of stylistic and technical developments which built upon those of the Hellenistic Greeks and then led to those of the Byzantine and Islamic worlds. Roman pottery can thus provide evidence for ancient literacy, artistic trends and trading patterns within the complex of Mediterranean lands which made up the empire. In recent years, local archaeological activity in these regions has produced a plethora of new finds and information which the author now explains, concentrating on the particular features which mark Roman period wares, showing how the vessels were manufactured, decorated, traded and used. The illustrations include many pieces published for the first time.