In 1971, an

archaeological excavation In archaeology, excavation is the exposure, processing and recording of archaeological remains. An excavation site or "dig" is the area being studied. These locations range from one to several areas at a time during a project and can be condu ...

was undertaken on the Putgraaf in the city of Heerlen. During the excavation, an exploded Roman kiln was discovered. Between the pieces of the kiln some fragments of a jar were found with the life story of the potter, Lucius Ferenius, written on them. The name Fer(e)nius suggests that this Lucius was born in Feresne, sometime between AD 125 and AD 150. website The jar was made for his wife Amaka. Because Lucius was

superstitious A superstition is any belief or practice considered by non-practitioners to be irrational or supernatural, attributed to fate or magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of that which is unknown. It is commonly applied to beliefs and pr ...

he scratched the Latin alphabet in the jar to fend off

demon A demon is a malevolent supernatural entity. Historically, belief in demons, or stories about demons, occurs in religion, occultism, literature, fiction, mythology, and folklore; as well as in media such as comics, video games, movies, ani ...

s and bad tidings.

Text on the jar

"Lucius Fernius has made for Amaka (this jar)/Lucius, in his birthplace called Metcius, has made this jar for her in his business/(I,) Lucius, devote (this jar) to the good god of Fere(s)ne (?), my birthplace" website

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heerlen, Excavations at People from Heerlen Dutch potters