Based on a series of late classical and early Hellenistic find contexts from the urban area of Priene, the provenance as well as cultural-historical issues regarding the pottery contained therein are examined. Being deposited in the decades immediately after the city was founded (mid-4th century BC), these findings, presented for the first time, constitute an important reference for future ceramic research in the eastern Mediterranean. In order to verify and better quantify the provenance of regional and supra-regional imports, scientific analyzes (pXRF, petrography) were carried out on selected fragments.
Pottery from the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE from excavations in Asia Minor is still sparsely investigated, which is why the presentation of selected late Classical and early Hellenistic contexts from Priene, founded in the middle of the 4th century BCE, will be an important reference group for future research in the region.
The typologically and chronologically processed pottery is furthermore examined regarding various aspects of cultural and economic history. These results are based on scientific investigation methods (portable ED-XRF and petrography) that were carried out on a representative selection of fragments.
Pottery investigations are central to explore trade connections within the Eastern Mediterranean. For this, the share that certain imports make up in relation to local and regional production is of special interest. It can be shown that there are considerable differences between the various classes of ceramics, with the high proportion of imported cooking wares being particularly surprising. Aspects of value, both material and ideal, are also examined. This can be seen in imported Attic vessels, which must have been in use for at least 25 years at the time of their disposal and were therefore probably brought with them by their owners from the old city when they moved.
In addition, the potential of the pottery under study for determining the time when the city has been founded and evidence of ancient waste management are further areas of investigation.
In the series of “Archäologische Forschungen” (Archaeological Studies), monographs on the various areas of research in Classical Archaeology are published, mainly concentrating on studies concerning architecture, urban research, topography and everyday culture of Greece, Asia Minor, and the periphery of the Greek world. The chronological scope ranges from the beginning of periodized history to late antiquity. The following volumes, partly to be published in sub-series, will present the findings of research and excavations in the Hellenistic and Roman towns of Priene, Aizanoi and Pompeii. “Archäologische Forschungen” are edited by the Head Office of the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (German Archaeological Institute) in Berlin.
Table of Contents