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Roman Fine Ware Ceramics from Two Surface Scatters in Aegean Thrace: An Analysis of Distribution Patterns

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2020, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Anthropology.
This thesis investigates Roman fine ware trade networks in Thrace and the northern Aegean, through an examination of its spatial and chronological distribution patterns in the region. Specifically, I examined Roman fine ware ceramics recovered through surface survey from two countryside sites discovered by the Molyvoti, Thrace Archaeological Project (MTAP) in northern Greece during 2015, and their relationship to distribution patterns represented by published assemblages from other archaeological sites in Thrace and the northern Aegean. The published assemblages were grouped into three different regions based upon their geographical proximity to each other. The analysis utilizes Bes’ (2015) nine phases of Roman fine ware distribution in the eastern Mediterranean, as outlined in Once Upon a Time in the East. For each phase, the wares and ceramic forms identified at each site are presented and discussed chronologically by region. The new data from the two MTAP sites, Glyphada-Agkathies and Mitrikon-Metochi, indicates that Roman period occupation of these sites began around the mid-1st century CE and continued into the mid-5th century CE. No Roman fine ware was identified at the MTAP sites dating to the 1st century BCE. However, other sites discussed in this thesis reveal a pattern in which pre-Hellenistic sites in Thrace have access to exchange networks that the two MTAP sites do not have. The two assemblages are primarily composed of Candarli, with forms corresponding to Loeschke’s and Hayes’ typologies, dating from the mid-1st century CE to around CE 300. Phocaean Red Slip is the second most common ware, indicating the market dominance of Pergamene products. Additional finds corresponding to forms of Italian Terra Sigillata, Eastern Sigillata B, African Red Slip, and Late Roman Light Colored Ware were also identified, as well as possible imitations of Candarli. The distribution patterns observed at the MTAP sites largely align with broader trends in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. However, the rural setting of the MTAP sites helps to provide a more holistic picture of fine ware distribution, due to the general paucity of published assemblages from non-urban contexts, while also demonstrating the potential utility of survey pottery to address question of trade networks and patterns of distribution.
Susan Allen, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Nicholas Hudson, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Sarah Jackson, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
166 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hartman, A. (2020). Roman Fine Ware Ceramics from Two Surface Scatters in Aegean Thrace: An Analysis of Distribution Patterns [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1613683832182765

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hartman, Adam. Roman Fine Ware Ceramics from Two Surface Scatters in Aegean Thrace: An Analysis of Distribution Patterns. 2020. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1613683832182765.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hartman, Adam. "Roman Fine Ware Ceramics from Two Surface Scatters in Aegean Thrace: An Analysis of Distribution Patterns." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1613683832182765

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)