The logo on the carbonized Pompeiian bread

[andym]

I would subscribe to the idea of the loaf being sat on the Stamp as its being baked.Otherwise the dough would just fill itself back up as it rises.Also if the stamp was on top not underneath,it would cause it not to rise if too heavy or if too light no impression.If you look carefully at the pic of the Legionary Stamp from Caerleon you can see that is has a slight indentation from the stamp being underneath.(Mind you, looking at the loaf of bread, i might need a new set of teeth afterwards! :lol: )



I have just had a thought.if the "Bread" was not of the Leavened type but more akin to the Royal Navy "Hard Tack" style of breads then a stamp prior to cooking would work.Also this type of bread would last a lot longer in a Military setting.