Hellenistic Pottery
by Stine Schierup
Hellenistic pottery was found in a trench cut into the bedrock of the later Room 31 and continuing into the
later Room 38. While some contexts contained Hellenistic pottery exclusively (717, 809, 828, 852, 867 and
908) others seems to have been disturbed during the Roman or early Byzantine period (827, 840, 879, 906,
910, 921). Meanwhile the Hellenistic pottery still constitutes around 90% of the total amount of pottery in
these contexts. The two main groups of pottery found in the assemblages are transport amphorae (mainly
of local Chersonesan origin but also some quantities of Sinopean as well as minor proportions of Colchidian
and Rhodian amphoras) and common table ware vessels which includes a variety of vessel shapes of local
production. Considerable quantities of kitchenware and imported fine black gloss tableware were also
present. No ritual vessels were found and the pottery has an overall domestic character including all types
of pottery necessary for storing, producing and consuming food. In general fragments are small and only a
few vessel shapes could be completely restored. This seems to indicate that the pottery had been lying
around for a while before it was finally deposited.
The catalogue includes the following groups of pottery from the abovementioned contexts; black gloss (150), common table ware (51-86), kitchenware (87-111) and pottery with graffiti (112-121). Included is also
a few significant pieces of Hellenistic pottery found in the stenopos and the courtyard area; a black gloss
kantharos handle with comic mask (20), a moldmade vessel with potters signature (47), a jug decorated
with ivy garlands in red paint (79) and a black gloss rim with graffiti (121). Stamped amphora handles are
discussed elsewhere.1
Chronology
The two most important sources for the dating of the assemblage are the stamped amphora handles and
the fine back gloss tableware. The earliest black gloss pottery can by comparisons, mainly with well-dated
Attic contexts, be dated within the last quarter of the 4th century. Shapes belonging to the first quarter of
the 3rd century are also well-represented and a few fragments belong to the production of the 2nd quarter
of the century. Several of the local common ware shapes seems to have been produced through most of
the late 4th and 3rd century BC and close comparisons are found in contemporary local Hellenistic
assemblages; the cistern in block 96, the North-Eastern sector of Chersonesos (with single fragments dating
to the end of the 4th to early 3rd century, but mainly with pottery from the 2nd quarter to the middle of the
final quarter of the 3rd century BC)2, building U6 in Panskoye, in the north-western part of Crimea (dated to
320/310 – 270 BC)3 and in the farmhouse site 1514, these sites are both located within the chora of
Chersonesos. The latest stamped amphora-handles are dated to the 240s-230s BC and it seems reasonable
to suppose that the pottery was deposited no later than the end of the third quarter of the 3rd century BC,
which is also indicated by the complete absence of megarian bowls.5 That the contexts are part of a
1
Turovsky ?.
Zolotarev 2005
3
Hannestad, Stolba and Ščeglov 2002.
4
Opait forthcoming
5
The beginning of the production of Megarian bowls in Athens is dated to c. 240-220 BC. (Rotroff 1982, p. 10).
2
1
contemporary Hellenistic trench is supported not only by the contemporary dating but also by the fact that
several joining fragments were found between different contexts. The Hellenistic pottery found in the
stenopos and courtyard area can be dated within the same period, the only exception is a moldmade vessel
dated to the 2nd century BC.
Black Gloss (1-50)
A considerable amount of black gloss fragments within the assemblage can with good confidence be
classified as Attic import according to Rotroff’s definition of the Attic black gloss fabric from the Athenian
Agora assemblages as well as on the shapes.6 This supports the pattern known from other sites in the Black
Sea area that during the early Hellenistic period the fine table ware was still mainly imported from Athens,
though this domination rapidly came to an end during the 3rd century BC.7 Variations in the fabric of the
remaining fragments seem to represent the productions of several other workshops, which at this point
must remain unidentified. Repairing holes are found occasionally on the black gloss vessels, mainly on the
kantharoi fragments. Below the identified shapes are described according to their function:
Drinking Vessels (classical kantharoi, cup-kanhtaroi, bolster-cups, cup with shell feet and moldmade
bowl): The majority of the fragments of drinking vessels are of the so-called Classical Kantharos type with a
moulded foot and grooved (1, 3) or un-grooved resting surface (2, 4, 5), spur handles (8) and a lower
convex body which can be plain as well as ribbed (1, 6-7, 19). Around 30 diagnostic rimfragments of
kantharoi rims was found, except for one molded rim (18), all were of the plain rim type and had a
diameter around 8-10 cm (7-14, 16-17). Several of the fragments are decorated with garlands of olive (7-12,
18), which is the most common type of ornament used on the drinking vessels during the early Hellenistic
period and it is a common find on sites in the northern Black Sea Region.8 Garlands of ivy are also found on
some fragments within the assemblage (14-15) and on a single fragment part of a double chain, most
probably belonging to the typical Hellenistic charms necklace ornament, can be found (17). According to
Rotroff’s analysis the charm necklaces disappears from the repertoire around 250 BC.9 Generally the
decoration is applied in thinned clay, but single examples shows that incisions and white paint was in use as
well. Spurhandles seems to have been the most common type of kantharos handle within the assemblage,
but fragments of high-swung handles (e.g. 19) and handles with comic mask (20) and womans head (21) as
thumb rest was also found.10 The classical kantharoi was the most common type of black gloss drinking
vessels in Athens during the early Hellenistic period and the preference for the shape is reflected in the
black gloss repertoire of our assemblage as well as in contemporary assemblages in the northern Black Sea
area.11 Meanwhile single examples of the early Hellenistic cup-kantharoi were identified as well (18-19).
6
Rotroff 1982, 14
Bouzek 1990, 53-54
8
Parovič-Pešikan 1974, Fig. 74, 8-9; Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2002, nr. B4, B7, B9, B23; Zolotarev 2005, Fig. 5, 3-5,
10, 19.
9
Rotroff 1997, 59-61. Ill. 1.
10
Numerous examples of this type of handle have been found in the northern Black Sea area; Parovič-Pešikan 1974,
Fig. 76.1, Fig. 78, 1-3, Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2002, nr. B23; also one handle with a comic mask was found in
Hellenistic layers in Block 36 in Chersonesos excavated in 2002 and is currently being prepared for publication.
11
Cf. note 8 above
7
2
Belonging to the more unusual types of drinking vessels within the assemblage are three diagnostic
fragments of the bolster-cup type; a hemispherical drinking cup shape with two scraped grooves below the
rim. One fragment is decorated with a garland of olive (22) and another with an ivy garland (23) below the
rim. The last one has remains of an unidentified graffito below the rim (117). The bolster-cup seems to have
been produced for a short period of time during the beginning of the 3rd century BC.12 A few examples have
been documented at other sites in the Black Sea area, e.g. Panskoye13, and one has also been found in the
Hellenistic layers of block 36 in Chersonesos.14 The only type of drinking vessel within the assemblage that
cannot be paralleled in any contemporary contexts in the Black Sea area is the fragment of a moldmade
cockleshell foot (46). The fragment belongs to a special type of drinking vessels, round bottomed and
hemispherical cup-shaped with three moldmade feet in the shape of shells. This type has been identified on
numerous sites in the Mediterranean area in contexts dating from around 285-225 BC, though never in
great quantities.15 Another unusual find is the bottom of a ribbed moldmade bowl with a potter’s signature,
which is very closely paralleled in a similar fragment from Delos.16 The fragment is the only Hellenistic
pottery from the assemblage which is datable within the 2nd century BC and it was found during the
excavations of the stenopos area.
Food service: Bowls (echinus and out-turned rim) and Plates (rolled-rim plates and fish-plates): Two main
types of bowls were identified; the outturned rim bowls and the echinus bowls. Of the echinus bowl around
20 fragments were recognized and they can mainly be categorized as small bowls (7-8 cm in diameter) and
belong to the so-called salt-cellar type (24-26). But a few medium sized bowls were found as well (e.g. 2728). The majority of the bowls was of the outturned rim type (the group comprises more than 40 diagnostic
fragments) and was found in various sizes ranging from 9-20 cm in diameter (29-37). The profile shows in
general a concave upper part and a convex lower part with a slightly projecting rim. On two fragments a
small groove on the lower part of the body can be seen (33 and 35). Several of the bowls are only glazed on
the interior and upper part of the exterior and often with traces of running gloss. The bowls and plates
show in general much more variety in the quality of the fabric than the drinking vessels and in most cases
the quality of the gloss is poorer with a dull and heavily worn surface.
Only a little more than 20 diagnostic fragments of plates were identified, equal quantities belonging to the
rolled rim type and the fish plate type. Unfortunately the majority of the fragments were very small, which
made it difficult to determine the exact shape and diameter. The identifiable plates are of the rolled rim
type and have a slight groove and ridge (both glossed) below the rim on the exterior surface (38-40). They
are closely paralleled in plates belonging to contexts dated within the last quarter of the 4th century or the
beginning of the 3rd century BC. One rim with slimmer proportions and no preserved groove and ridge must
belong to a later production, possible within the 2nd quarter of the 3rd century BC. The fishplates can also by
12
Rotroff 1997, p. 96.
Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2002, B101, pl. 64 (with references for examples of this type found in Olbia and
Elizavetovka)
14
Currently being prepared for publication.
15
Anderson-Stojanovic 1993 (Isthmia), nos. 89-91 and 124-126; Metzger 1969 (Eretria), 62, no. 2, pl. 41; TölleKastenbein 1974 (Samos), 157-158, abb. 256, E-G; Mitsopoulos-Leon 1991 (Ephesos), C33-C39, tafel 74-75; Rotroff
2003 (Sardis), 130-132, p. 40-41; Rotroff 1997, no. 311, fig. 20 pl. 32 (see n. for more examples).
16
Laumonier 1977, pl. 96, no. 4380. The fragments are so similar, that it seems reasonable to suppose, that the two
vessels were produced from the same mold.
13
3
comparisons be dated within the early Hellenistic period (41-42). The size of the plates ranges from 18 to
25 cm in diameter.
Stamped decoration (unidentified shape): Only three small fragments of the floor of black gloss vessels
with stamped decoration were found (43-45). Since stamped decoration appears on many black gloss
vessel shapes during the early Hellenistic period the exact shape of the vessels can unfortunately not be
determined. But the low and wide ringbase of 43 with a deep reserved groove on the resting surface
indicate that this might be from a bolsal bowl, which often carries stamped decoration. On our fragment a
rouletting is preserved together with the upper part of a palmetto stamp. The second fragment of a base is
also decorated with rouletting (45). On the third fragment three palmettos are stamped into the floor (44),
but unfortunately the fragment and the stamps are much worn and parallels are difficult to identify.
Pouring vessel for wine (oinochoe): One of the more interesting examples of black gloss vessels within the
assemblage is the fragments of the rim, neck and rope handle of a round-mouthed oinochoe (48). The gloss
of the vessel is heavily worn and the fragments have numerous repairing holes, which all seems to indicate
that this must have been a valued piece of tableware. The rope handle parallels it with the west slope
oinochoe, which has been found in a decorated and undecorated version like this one from South Region in
Attic contexts from the early Hellenistic period. No parallel examples to this type are known from other
sites in the Black Sea region and the distribution of it seems usually to have been limited to Attica and
nearby regions.17
Perfume/oil containers (unguentaria): Two spouts of unguentaria, handleless vessels with tall narrow
neck, ovoid body and small flat base, were found (49-50). The vessels were commonly used for perfume or
oil and they are regularly found in tombs, like in the Hellenistic necropolis of Olbia18 and the black gloss
version of this shape, which was produced in the early 3rd century BC19, is not unusual in this region. E.g.
two similar examples of black gloss unguentaria were found during the excavations of farmhouse site 151
in the chora of Chersonesos 20
Kantharoi
1
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Lower part of kantharos with moulded foot and
plain body; unslipped groove on the resting surface. High
quality black gloss with sheen.
Fabric: Clay is light red (2.5YR6/6), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions; H7.7 x W10. Diameter (base): 5.5cm.
Comparisons: Classical kantharos shape. No exact parallels
can be found, but the grooved resting surface and the low,
cancave stem indicates that it should be dated to around c.
300 BC (eg. Rotroff 1997, fig. 7,58). Attic import.
17
Drawing: #306
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Rotroff 1997, fig. 34, no. 460-462 and p. 124-125 (with references).
Parovič-Pešikan 1974, fig. 93-95.
19
Rotroff 1997, 175-178.
20
Carter forthcoming, SF no. 351 and 215.
18
4
2
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Lower part of kantharos with moulded foot;
ungrooved resting surface. The gloss is dark brownish and
dull, partly worn off.
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/4), fine, with no visible
inclusions. Slightly micacious.
Dimensions: H5.1 x W6.4. Diameter (base): 3.5cm.
Comparisons: Classical kantharos shape. Similarities with
Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2002, pl. 63 B74 and B76, dated
no later than the beginning of the 3rd century BC.
Drawing: #185
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
3
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Moulded foot of kantharos; grooved resting
surface. Thick black gloss with sheen also added to the
resting surface and groove. Good quality lustrous black gloss.
Fabric: Clay is light reddish brown (2.5YR6/4), fine, with a few
tiny voids.
Dimensions: H2.4 x W4.5. Diameter (base): 3.5cm.
Comparisons: Classical Kantharos shape. Closest parallel is
Rotroff 1997, Fig. 4, 9. Dated between 325-300 BC. Attic
import.
Drawing: #304
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
4
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Moulded foot of a drinking vessel; ungrooved
resting surface. High quality black gloss with sheen, thick
layer. Resting surface is unslipped.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), fine, with a few tiny
black inclusions.
Dimensions: H2.7 x W3.9. Diameter (base): 4cm.
Comparisons: Similarities are found with the early 3rd century
Hellenistic bowl-kantharos (Rotroff 1997, pl. 13, 141-144). C.
290-275 BC. Attic import.
Drawing: #305
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
5
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Moulded foot of kantharos; ungrooved resting
surface. Thick lustrous gloss. Good quality.
Fabric: Clay is light red (10R7/6-6/6), fine, no visible
inclusions. Slightly micacious.
Dimensions: H2.5 x W4.7cm. Diameter (foot): 4.5-5 cm.
Comparisons: Classical kantharos shape. Around 300 BC.
Attic import.
6
5
Drawing: #n86
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: The lower part of a ribbed body and the upper
part of the concave stem of a kantharos. Scraped groove at
the junction of the body and stem. Good quality gloss with
sheen on the exterior and the interior.
Fabric: Fine clay with no visible inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: H3.8 x W5.6. Thickness (body) 0.4cm.
Comparisons: No exact parallel can be found, but the slim
proportions of the stem indicate that it should be dated
within the second quarter of the 3rd century (c. 275-260 BC).
Drawing: #83
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
7
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: 3 joining fragments of a plain rim and ribbed
lower body. Good quality black gloss with a metallic sheen.
Decorated with olive garlands in thinned clay.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8), fine, with a few tiny visible
limestone particles and mica.
Dimensions: H7.2 x W5.2. Thickness (body) 0.2-0.3.
Estimated diameter (rim): 10 cm.
Comparisons: Olive garlands in added thinned clay are found
regularly on early Hellenistic kantharoi (see also 7-12).
Similar examples are found on a number of other sites in the
northern Black Sea region: Zolotarev 2005 8 (Chersonesos),
fig. 5.3 and 5.19; Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2002
(Panskoye), plate 70, B4, B9, B23; Parovič-Pešikan 1974
(Olbia), Fig. 74, 8-9. Date: 325-275 BC.
Drawing: #94
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
8
Context: Room 38, 906
Description: Plain rim and partly broken spurhandle of a
kantharos. Thick and dull red slip (red 10R4/6), misfired black
slip. Decorated with olive garlands in thinned clay (2.5YR7/6).
Fabric: Red clay (2.5YR5/8), fine, with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.8 x W5.4. Thickness (body): 0.3-0.4cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 9cm.
Comparisons: See 7 for comparisons.
Drawing: #89
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
9
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Plain rim and handle attachment of a kantharos.
Thick layer of good quality gloss with sheen. Decorated with
olive garland and ribbon in thinned clay (7.5YR7/2).
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR4/2), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.7 x W4.8. Thickness (body): 0.3-0.5cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 8cm.
Comparisons: See 7 for comparisons.
6
Drawing: #273
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
10
Context: Room 38, 827
Description: Thickened rim of a kantharos with repairing hole
below the rim. Good quality, thick layer of black gloss.
Decorated with ribbon and garlands of ivy in thinned clay
(5YR6/4).
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/4), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.6 x W3.8. Thickness (body): 0.3cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 10 cm.
Comparisons: See 7 for comparisons.
Drawing: #129
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
11
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Plain rim of a kantharos. Repairing hole is visible
on the breakage surface. Thick gloss with metallic sheen.
Decorated with olive garlands in thinned clay (7.5YR6/4).
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4 x W4.2. Thickness (body): 0.3cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 8cm.
Comparisons: See 7 for comparisons. Attic import.
Drawing: #220
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
12
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Plain rim of a kantharos. Thick layer of dull
black slip. Decorated with olive garlands in thinned clay (5YR
7/2).
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6) very fine with no
visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H2.7 x W2.5. Thickness (body): 0.3 cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 8 cm.
Comparisons: See 7 for comparisons. Attic import.
Drawing: #277
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
13
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Plain rim of a kantharos. Good quality black
gloss, worn on the rim. Floral decoration in thinned clay.
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/4-4/4), fine, with no visible
inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: W2.9 x H2.6. Thickness (body): 0.2-0.3.
Estimated diameter (rim): 7-8 cm.
Comparisons: Profile similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 5.28. Date:
325-275 BC.
Drawing: #91
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
14
Context: Room 38, 921
Description: Plain rim of a kantharos. Repair hole in the
breakage surface. Black gloss is partly worn off, but is of a
thick layer and with sheen. Decorated with ivy garland. The
7
Drawing: #27
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
stem is in white paint (only faint traces of the decoration is
visible).
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/3), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions; H4.3 x W2.6. Thickness (body): 0.4. Estimated
diameter (rim): 9cm.
Comparisons: The ivy pattern is in use from the classical
period and all through the Hellenistic period. Simple garlands
like this one and 15 are commonly found on early Hellenistic
kantharoi (eg. Rotroff 1997, pl. 11, no. 105 and 107). For
similar pattern on drinking cups in the northern Black Sea
see: Parovič-Pešikan 1974 (Olbia), Fig. 96.8, fig. 76.2 and fig.
78.3; Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2002, pl. 62, B7 and pl.
63, B42. Since the white paint was not in common use before
c. 275 BC this fragment must date within the 2nd quarter of
the 3rd century BC.
15
Context: Room 38, 827
Description: Bodyfragment of a black gloss drinking vessel.
High quality black gloss with sheen. Decorated with a garland
of ivy in thinned clay (5YR6/4).
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/3), fine, with a few tiny black
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.3 x W3.5. Thickness (body): 0.3cm.
Comparisons: see 14 for comparisons.
Drawing: #130
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
16
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: 2 joining fragments of a plain rim kantharos with
handle attachment. High quality black gloss with sheen.
Decoration in thinned clay (7.5YR7/4); partly preserved on
both sides of the handle attachment is a ribbon and garland
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6), fine, with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H5.2 x W6.1. Thickness (body): 0.2-0.4.
Estimated diameter (rim): 9,5cm.
Drawing: #219
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
17
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Plain rim of a kantharos. Black gloss, high quality
with sheen. Decoration in thinned clay (7.5YR7/4); double
chain.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.8 x W2.4. Thickness (body): 0.2-0.3.
Estimated diameter (rim): approximately 10cm.
Comparisons: The double chains are most probably part of a
charm necklace ornament similar to Rotroff 1997, nr. 135.
This type of decoration is typical of the West Slope tradition
from the beginning of the early Hellenistic period until the
middle of the 3rd century BC.
8
Drawing: #276
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
18
Context: Room 38, 827
Description: Rim of a kantharos. Projecting external flange
below the rim. Good quality thick gloss. Decorated with olive
garlands in thinned clay.
Comparisons: Similar examples of cup-kantharoi with molded
rim are found in Rotroff 1997, no. 79-81; Hannestad et al.
2005, plate 71, B88. Rotroff dates the latest examples of this
type to the 2nd quarter of the 3rd century BC.
Drawing: #132
Photo: no
19
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Kantharos handle (round in section) and part of
the ribbed lower body of a drinking cup.
Dimensions: H5.4 x W3.8cm.
Comparisons: Ribbed body and high swung handle are found
on cup-kantharoi similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 8, 74. C. 275260 BC.
Drawing: #88
Photo: no
20
Context: CH05 #8/37425
Description: Double kantharos handle with a comic mask in
appliqué decoration as thumb rest. Gloss is partly worn off,
though thick and with some sheen.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (?), fine, with tiny voids and no
visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.7 x W1.9.
Comparisons: Similar thumb rests are found in Panskoye
(Hannestad, Stolba & Hastrup 2005, Cat.nr. B23, plate 70,
B23 and 76, B23) and in Olbia (Parovič-Pešikan 1974, fig. 78,
1-3). Similar examples have also been found in the Athenian
Agora in contexts dating from c. 290-275 BC (Rotroff 1997,
nos. 107 and 109). Belongs to the same handle type as nr. 21.
Drawing: no (?)
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
21
Context: Room 38, 827
Description: Kantharos strap handle wih a womans head in
appliqué decoration as thumb rest. Good quality dark brown
to black gloss with sheen.
Fabric: Clay is strong brown (7.5YR5/6), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H6.1 x W1.9. Thickness (body): 0.4. Thickness
(handle): 0.6cm.
Comparisons: belongs to the same handle type as nr. 20.
Bolster-cups
9
Drawing: #106
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
22
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: 2 joining rimfragments of a bolster-cup with two
encircling grooves below the rim.
Thick layer of good quality black gloss with sheen. Below the
rim a garland of olive leaves in thinned clay and below this a
reserved band.
Fabric: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6), fine, occasionally with
limestone inclusions (up to 1mm).
Dimensions: H7.4 x W8.1. Thickness (body): 0.3-0.4cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 16cm.
Comparisons: This type was produced for a short period
during the beginning of the 3rd century and it is known from
several sites see e.g. Rotroff 1997, fig. 13, 164-166;
Hannestad et al. 2005, plate 64, no. B101 (with references
for finds of this shape from Olbia and Elizavetovka);
Mitsopoulos-Leon 1991, tafel 35-40. A similar example was
also found during the excavations of block 36 in
Chersonesos, which is currently being prepared for
publication. Date: c. 300-280 BC
Drawing: #224
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
23
Context: Room 38, 908
Description: Rim fragment of a bolster-cup with two
encircling grooves below the rim. High quality black gloss
with sheen. Below the rim decorated with a garland of ivy in
thinned clay (5YR6/6).
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6), fine, with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.4 x W3.9. Thickness (body): 0.3. Estimated
diameter (rim): 8-9cm.
Comparisons: see 22 for comparisons.
Drawing: #20
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Salt-cellars
24
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Rimfragment of an echinus-bowl.
Dull black to dark brownish slip, partly worn off; on the
exterior only added to the upper part of the surface.
Fabric: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6), fine, with no visible
inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: H2.6 x W4.2. Thickness (body): 0.3 cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 7cm.
Comparisons: similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 65, no. 1086. The
thin wall supports are dating within the second quarter of
the 3rd century BC.
25
10
Drawing: #95
Photo: no
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rimfragment of an echinus-bowl.
Dull black to dark brown slip on the interior and the upper
part of the exterior.
Fabric: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6) with a few tiny
limestone particles and a few larger voids (up to 2mm long)
Dimensions: W5 x H3. Thickness (body): 0.3cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 8cm.
Comparisons: very close to the shape of 24, but the wall is
slightly thicker.
Drawing: #193
Photo: no
26
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Two joining rimfragments of an echinus-bowl.
Black gloss, partly worn off at the rim.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: W6.7 x H2.9. Thickness (body) 0.5-0.6cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 7cm.
Comparisons: Similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 65, no. 1083. Date:
c. 275 BC.
Drawing: #182 &184
Photo: no
Echinus bowls
27
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Rimfragment of an echinus-bowl.
Good quality black gloss on the upper part of the exterior.
The lower part of the exterior and the interior part of the
vessel is red, probably due to the stacking of the vessels
during firing.
Fabric: Clay is light red to red (2.5YR6/6-5/6), fine, with no
visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.7 x W2.8. Thickness (body): 0.4-0.7cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 17cm (?).
Comparisons: rim profile similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 62, no.
971 dated to 300-285 BC.
Drawing: #327
Photo: no
28
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rimfragment of an echinus-bowl. Heavily worn
black slip.
Fabric: Light brown clay (7.5YR674) with some tiny black and
reddish inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.2 x W4. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.7. Estimated
diameter (rim): 16cm.
Comparisons: rim profile similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 62, no.
966 dated to 325-300 BC.
11
Drawing: #189
Photo: no
Outturned rim bowls
29
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Outturned rim of a small bowl.
Black gloss with metallic sheen, partially worn off. The lower
part has been left unglossed with traces of running gloss.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), fine, a few tiny
limestone particles and tiny voids. Micacious.
Dimensions: Estimated diameter (rim): 9cm.
Comparisons: Clay fabric seems to be Attic, although no close
parallels can be found in Rotroff 1997.
Drawing: #101
Photo: no
30
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Outturned rim of a mediumsized bowl.
Heavily worn, dull, black to dark brown slip. Unevenly
applied to the vessel.
Fabric: Clay is light reddish brown to reddish yellow (5YR6/46/6), fine, with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.5 x W5.2. Thickness (body): 0.4-0.5cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 11cm.
Drawing: #196
Photo: no
31
Context: Room 31, 828
Decription: Outturned rim (rounded) of a bowl with low foot
and beveled resting surface.
Dimensions: Diameter (rim): 14.0 cm. Diameter (base):
6.0cm.
Comparisons: Profile slightly similar to Zolotarev 2005, fig.
6.14.
Drawing: #195
Photo: no
32
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Outturned rim of a bowl.
Worn black gloss.
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/3), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.7 x W6.7. Thickness (body): 0.4-0.6cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 15cm.
Drawing: #123
Photo: no
33
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Two joining fragments of an outturned rim bowl.
Groove on the lower part of the body. Worn black slip covers
the interior and upper part of the exterior. Traces of running
slip are visible on the lower part of the exterior.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), fine, occasionally with
tiny black and white particles.
12
Drawing: #197
Photo: no
Dimensions: W7.2 x H5.2. Thickness (body): 0.6. Estimated
diameter (rim): 15cm
Comparisons: Rotroff 1995, ? The groove on the body
indicates a date after 300 BC. The profile seems to date it to
the beginning of the 3rd century
34
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Outturned rim of a bowl.
Comparisons: Similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 59, no. 871-872.
Date: c. 300-275 BC.
Drawing: #201
Photo: no
35
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Outturned rim of a bowl. Groove on the lower
part of the body. Thick layer of dull dark brownish slip, partly
worn off.
Fabric: Light brown to brown clay (7.5YR6/4-5/4), fine, with
tiny voids and single limestone inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: H3.2 x W6.2. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.6 cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): ca. 16-17cm.
Date: The groove on the lower part of the body dates it to
after 300 BC.
Comparisons: Similar to Zolotarev 2005, fig. 6.5; Hannestad,
Stolba & Hastrup 2002, pl. 65, B 113; Rotroff 1997, fig. 59,
no. 872. Date: 300-290 BC.
Drawing: #200
Photo: no
36
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Outturned rim of bowl. Dull black slip, heavily
worn.
Fabric: Clay is gray (10YR6/1-5/1) with some tiny black and
white inclusions and tiny voids.
Dimensions: H4.7 x W6. Thickness (body): 0.5cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 16-17cm.
Drawing: #122
Photo: no
37
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Outturned rim of a bowl. Dark brownish slip,
dull.
Fabric: Clay is light red to red (2.5YR6/6-5/6), fine, no visible
inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: W7.6cm x H4.6. Thickness (body): 0.5cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 20cm.
Comparisons: Similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 59, no. 877.
Date: c. 290-275 BC.
Rolled rim plates
38
13
Drawing: #100
Photo: no
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Two joining rimfragments of a plate. Covered by
an unevenly applied thin dark wash.
Fabric: Clay core is red (2.5YR5/6) towards the exterior
surfaces the clay is light brown to reddish yellow (7.5YR6/46/6). Small to large yellowish and grayish inclusions, as well
as some black ones.
Dimensions: H5.4 x W14.7. Thickness (body): 0.6-0.8cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 18cm.
Comparisons: The slim proportions of this fragment and the
fact that the groove and ridge is not placed just below the
rim on the exterior surface seem to indicate that it must be
considerable later than fragment nr. 39 and 40. The profile is
similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 47, no. 664. Date: around 275250 BC.
Drawing: #323
Photo: no
39
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Rim and ring base of a plate. Resting surface not
intact. Groove and ridge below the rim on the exterior part
of the vessel. Dull, worn, black slip.
Fabric: Red clay (2.5YR5/8), fine, with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H7.4 x W8. Thickness (body): 0.7-0.8. Estimated
diameter (rim): 22cm. Estimated diameter (base): 11cm.
Comparisons: no exact parallel is found, but seems close to
Rotroff 1997, fig. 46, no. 650. Dated to c. 300 BC.
Drawing: #186
Photo: no
40
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Rolled rim plate. Fragment. Good quality
lustrous gloss, worn off at the rim.
Fabric: Reddish brown clay (5YR5/4), fine, with no visible
inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: W8.4 x H2.9. Thickness (body): 0.7 cm.Estimated
diameter (rim): 26 cm.
Comparisons: Profile is similar to Rotroff 1997, fig. 46, no.
641. Dated within the period 325-300 BC.
Drawing: #98
Photo: no
Fishplates
41
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Two joining fragments of a downturned rim and
ringbase of a fishplate; bevelled and grooved resting surface.
Groove above the rim and a ridge around the central
depression. Dark grey to black slip added below the rim and
on the resting surface.
Fabric: Clay is brown (7.5YR5/3-5/4), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H9.2 x W8.8. Thickness (body): 0.9cm. Estimated
14
Drawing: #118
Photo: no
diameter (rim): 20-21cm. Estimated diameter (base): 11cm.
Comparisons: Profile is similar to Rotroff 1997, no. 710,
dated to c. 325-300 BC.
42
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Downturned rim of a fishplate. Black gloss,
partly worn off.
Fabric: Clay with red core (2.5YR5/8) and brown (7.5YR5/4)
towards the surfaces, fine, with a few tiny dark brown to
black inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.1 x W9.2. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.7cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 23cm.
Date:
Comparisons: The profile of the rim is similar to Hannestad,
Stolba & Hastrup 2005, pl. 66, B169 and B170, which are
both dated from c. 310-290 BC.
Drawing: #119
Photo: no
Stamped decoration
43
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Fragment of a base; resting surface has a deep,
reserved groove. On the interior part of a stamped
decoration is preserved; the upper part of a palmetto within
a rouletting.
Dimensions: H2.1 x W7.9cm. Estimated diameter (base): 11
cm.
Comparisons: The shape of the vessel cannot be determined
exactly, but the profile of the base shows similarities with
drinking bowls with a low, wide ringbase, such as the bolsal
bowls (see eg. Rotroff 1997, fig. 13, no. 168).
Drawing: #138
Photo: no
44
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Fragment of the floor of a vessel with three
palmetto stamps. Slip worn off.
Very pale brown clay (10YR7/3), fine, with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.5 x W3.1. Thickness (body): 0.6cm.
Comparisons: stamp is heavily worn but it has similarities
with Zolotarev 2005, fig. 7.3 (contemporary context).
Drawing: #281
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
45
Context Room 31, 828
Description: Fragment of ring foot base with rouletting;
slightly grooved on the resting surface. Good quality black
slip added to most of the interior and exterior surface except
on the resting surface and a reserved band on the lower part
15
Drawing: #210
Photo: no
of the body and the upper part of the ring foot base.
Fabric: Clay is reddish yellow (5YR6/6), finely levigated.
Slightly micacious.
Dimensions: H2.4 x W6.0. Thickness: 0.7cm. Estimated
diameter (base): 12 cm.
Comparisons: Attic import.
Cup with shell feet
46
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: bodyfragment with a moldmade cockleshell in
appliqué decoration. Good quality black gloss on interior and
exterior, partly worn off.
Fabric: Clay is light red (2.5YR6/8), fine, with tiny voids.
Dimensions: H3.7 x W2.8. Thickness (body): 0.3cm.
Comparisons: The earliest datable example of this type of
shell feet is from Athens (Rotroff 1997, no. 311, fig. 20 pl.
32). It dates from 285-275. Examples are also found in a well
in Isthmia deposited no later than 225 BC (AndersonStojanovic 1993, nos. 89-91 and 124-126). Examples are
known from numerous other sites: e.g. Metzger 1969
(Eretria), 62, no. 2, pl. 41; Tölle-Kastenbein 1974 (Samos),
157-158, abb. 256, E-G; Mitsopoulos-Leon 1991 (Ephesos),
C33-C39, tafel 74-75; Lund 2002 (Halikarnassos), pl. 28, H14;
Rotroff 2003 (Sardis), 130-132, p. 40-41.
Drawing: #282
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Moldmade vessel
47
Context: CH05 #7/37425
Description: Base of a ribbed moldmade vessel. Resting
surface is worn, though traces of gloss indicate that this was
added to the entire surface. Where the black to dark brown
gloss is still present it is thick and dull. Below the base there
is a single letter signature ‘N’ is stamped.
Fabric: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6) though darker towards
the edges. Some tiny limestone inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.4 x W3.5. Thickness (body) 0.6-0.7.
Estimated diameter (base): 4.2-4.4cm.
Comparisons: Belongs possibly to the same mold as
Laumonier 1977, pl. 96, no. 4380.
Drawing: no (?)
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Oinochoe
48
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: 6 joining fragments of rim, handle and neck
fragment of an oinochoe with a rope handle. Four ancient
repair holes. Good quality black gloss on the exterior and
Drawing: #168
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
16
interior of the vessel, though heavily worn on especially the
rim, handle and interior.
Fabric: Reddish yellow clay (5YR6/6) very finely levigated.
Micacious.
Dimensions: H of handle: 9.4 x W of handle 1.6, Neck and
rim: H7.2 x W9 x T0.3cm. Estimated diameter (mouth): 9cm.
Comparisons: the shape is rare and published examples of it
limit its distribution to Attica and nearby regions. For similar
examples see Rotroff 1995, fig. 34, no. 460-462, p. 124-125
(with references). The decorated examples from the Agora
are dated to the beginning of the 2nd quarter of 3rd century
BC, but undecorated examples like this one might have been
produced already in the first quarter. Attic import.
Unguentarium
49
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Projecting rim of a small unguentarium. Thick
black to dark brown gloss on the exterior and the rim.
Fabric: Reddish yellow clay (5YR6/6), fine, with a few white
limestone inclusions. Micacious.
Dimensions: H3.6. Diameter (mouth): 3cm.
Comparisons: Parovič-Pešikan 1974, fig. 95, type IV; Rotroff
1997, nos. 1163-1169, fig. 72, pl. 85; Carter forthcoming, SF
no. 351 and 215. Date: 325-275 BC. Attic import.
Drawing: #189
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
50
Context: Room 31, 717
Description: Projecting rim of a small black gloss
unguentarium.
Dimensions: H2.3 cm. Diameter (mouth): 2.6 cm.
Comparisons: Smaller than but of the same type as 49 (See
comparisons above).
Drawing: #25
Photo: no
Common Table Ware
The majority of the common table ware pottery can be grouped within one of two types of clay fabric,
which seems to be distinctive of the local Chersonesan pottery production; Fabric type 1 is characterized by
a red clay (2.5YR5/6-5/8 or 10R5/8-4/8) occasionally fired to a light reddish brown (5YR6/4-6/6) or pale
brown (10YR6/3) with numerous limestone and pyroxene particles and some inclusions. The surface of the
clay is sometimes micacious. Fabric type 2 is more varied in the clay color and ranges from light yellowish
brown and pale brown (10YR 7/4-6/4-6/3) to pale yellow, reddish yellow and light red (2.5YR7/3-6/6 and
7.5YR 6/6) but with a surface always covered by a pale yellow slip (2.5Y8/2-7/3). The temper usually
consists of pyroxene and limestone similar to fabric type 1. These two types of fabric are also recognizable
in the contemporary production of Chersonesan amphorae.21 Since the geology of the western Crimea
21
17
doesn’t provide any sources for pyroxene it has been suggested by Monachov and later supported by
Whitbread, that temper was imported for the pottery production in Chersonesos.22
Food service (Bowls and plates): Around 40 diagnostic fragments of common ware bowls was found within
the assemblage and two general types can be identified; a bowl with one handle, a so-called ‘one-handler’
(51-53), and a handleless bowl with incurved rim (54-59). The smallest bowls are c. 14 and the largest
around 28-30 cm in diameter. Several fragments had traces of secondary firing. No complete vessels were
found within the assemblage, but through comparisons it seems reasonable to suppose that the bowls
were normally placed on a low ring foot base of which numerous fragments were found. Similar bowls are
found in Hellenistic layers in Chersonesos23and within the territory of the Chersonesan chora; e.g.
farmhouse site 15124, farmhouse in Lighthouse point (land-plot no. 49)25 and from building U6 in
Panskoye.26 In the publication of the Panskoye assemblage Kašaev have references for numerous other
sites with similar vessels.27Only very few fragments of plates were found, one of these was decorated with
bands in red paint (60).
Oil-containers (lekythoi and unguentarii): Three mouths of lekythoi (61-63) and one base of an
unguentarium in local fabric (64). Similar examples have been found in late 4th – early 3rd century contexts
in Chersonesos28 as well as in the contemporary context of building U6 in Panskoye.29 Comparative
examples show that the Chersonesan unguentarii usually was decorated with bands of red paint similar to
the decoration of the jugs described below. The assemblage also included a vertical loophandle of a small
jug a shape which so far is unparalleled in contemporary assemblages (65).
Jugs: Around 50 diagnostic fragments of jugs of local manufacture were identified within the assemblage
(66-72). Although it must be stressed, that in some cases it is uncertain whether small rim fragments belong
to jugs, amphorae or hydriae, while comparative examples indicate that the profile of the rim sometimes
was much related.30 However within the assemblage the jug was the only shape that could be identified
with certainty. The jugs represents one of the typical Hellenistic pottery shapes in Chersonesos and the
shape seems to have been produced all through the late 4th and 3rd century BC; published examples are
known from Borisovas excavations of the potters’ quarter south west of the Zeno tower31 and from the
cistern of block 96.32 Based on this assemblage Zolotarev has defined two different types of local common
ware jugs, which are equivalent to the types found in the Hellenistic trench in south region. 66-68 belongs
to Zolotarevs type 1; a globular jug with a short neck and double-barreled handle and 69-71, 73 and 80
belongs to Zolotarevs type 2; A jug with tall neck, wide mouth and ribbon handle.33 A characteristic feature
22
Whitbread 1995, p. 239ff.
Zolotarev 2005, fig. 13, 3-4.
24
Opait forthcoming, inv.no. 371, 368, 369.
25
Saprykin 2006, Fig. 4, p. 149.
26
Kašaev 2002, pl. 82-86.
27
Kašaev 2002, p. 153-155.
28
Belov & Jakobson 1953
29
Similar to Kašaev 2002, pl. 90, C88 and pl. 91, C95-C96.
23
30
31
Borisova; Belov & Jakobson 1953
32
33
Zolotarev 2005, p. 197
18
is a small groove incised below the rim (69) and the jugs are usually placed on a low ring foot base such as
72. Bands in red, white or brown (possible misfired red) paint often decorates the widest part of the body
below the handles. No complete vessels with painted decoration were found, but several fragments were
identified (73-77). A common feature of these jugs is also a red band in a groove on the overhanging part of
the rim (73). The popularity of this jug-shape seems not only to have been restricted to the potter’s
workshops in Chersonesos, but enjoys a wide popularity in the whole Black Sea region.34
Floral painted vessels (various shapes): The assemblage revealed an interesting group of common table
ware with floral decoration in red paint (78-86). The quality and color of the clay fabric indicates a local
provenience which is further documented by the fact that examples of this type was found in the potters’
quarter south west of the Zeno tower (Fig. 1-2).35 The floral-painted vessels from South Region reflect
various shapes and floral patterns in use during the 3rd century BC.
The surface of the vessels are either covered by a white slip or carefully burnished. The following types of
floral patterns were found; stylistically drawn petals hanging from neck over shoulder (83), garlands of
large leafs (81)36, scrolls (78, 80, 85), scrolls and dotted flowers (82) as well as ivy-garlands with dotted
flowers very similar to patterns in the contemporary west slope style (79). On a rim of a jug a rhombic
pattern was also found (86). Based on this assemblage and similar finds from Chersonesos the decoration
seems to have been applied to jugs, table amphoras, kraters and hydriai (like e.g. fig. 3). Several fragments
of rim and body (78) appear to belong to an unusual shape within the repertoire of the local pottery
production. The vessel is large (c. 44 cm in diameter), the overhanging part of the rim is decorated with a
frieze of ovolo stamps and the resting surface with a stamped wave-pattern with traces of red paint. Rims
with a similar stamped decoration are known from vessels in the Athenian Agora.37 A large rope handle is
fastened below the rim and resting on the overhanging part of the rim. Small fragment s of the interior
surface of the vessel show traces of a finely drawn floral ornament with ivy scrolls.
Even though this group of pottery seems to have been fairly common in the Hellenistic period of
Chersonesos it has only been touched upon very briefly in publications and barely anything has been
published from the urban area of Chersonesos.38 A few vessels of this type are known from contemporary
contexts in the northern Black sea area eg. Olbia39, building U6 of Panskoye,40 and the YuzhnuDunuzlavskaye site near Bay of Vetrenaya.41 Also a Chersonesan transport amphora with floral decoration
was found in a farmhouse complex at the Chaika settlement in the north-western Crimea.42 It seems
reasonable to suppose that this type of floral painted Hellenistic vessels were produced also in Olbia and
maybe in other sites as well, but conclusions at this point can only be tentative.
34
Opait forthcoming with further references; Kašaev 2002 with further references.
Borisova 1958, p. ?
36
Comparisons for this pattern have been found on several vessel shapes. Zolotarev 2005 (Jug); Popova & Kovalenko
1995, fig. 21, p. 226 (transport amphora); Chersonesos Inv. N. N3260 (Hydria).
37
Rotroff
38
Knipovich
39
Knipovich 1941, fig. 1-3 and 8.
40
One vessel was identified in Panskoye; a large krater decorated with an olive garland, according to the publication it
was produced in Chersonesos, see Kac, Monachov, Stolba & Ščeglov 2002, no. Ac2, p. 103, pl. 43-44.
41
For references see Kac, Monachov, Stolba & Ščeglov 2002, p. 103, n. 4.
42
Popova & Kovalenko 1995, fig. 21, p. 226.
35
19
Food service: Bowls & plates
51
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Rim fragment of a bowl with horizontal handle.
Handle is oval in section. Rim is outturned with a concaveconvex body.
Dimensions: H3.5 x W8.5. Estimated diameter (rim): 12 cm.
Drawing: # 164
Photo: no
52
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Two joining fragments of a bowl with horizontal
loop handle, round in section. Incurved rim.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8) with tiny
pyroxene and lime inclusions and occasionally larger ones.
Single golden mica visible on the surface.
Dimensions: W12.1 x H6.7. Thickness (body): 0.6cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 21cm.
Drawing: #147
Photo: no
53
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Part of a vertical handle (C-shaped in section)
and a thickened rim of a large jar. Below the rim part of a
horizontal groove is visible.
Local Fabric type 2: Very pale brown (10YR7/4) with
numerous pyroxene and limestone inclusions and a few red
particles. The surface is covered with a pale yellow slip
(2.5Y8/2).
Dimensions: rim: H4.6 x W5. Thickness (body): 0.8cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): c. 30 cm(?). Handle: H3.8 x W2.7.
Thickness: 1.3cm.
Drawing: #n40
Photo: no
54
Drawing: #92
Photo: no
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Fragment of an incurved rim bowl.
Local fabric type 1: Light reddish brown to reddish yellow
(5YR6/4-6/6). Slightly micacious clay with tiny to small
pyroxene and lime inclusions.
Dimensions: H5.9 x W9. Thickness (body): 0.6-1.0cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 15cm.
20
55
Context: Room 38, 828
Description: Fragment of an incurved rim bowl.
Local Fabric type 2: Clay is light brown (7.5YR6/3) with some
black inclusions (up to 2mm) and several pyroxene particles
and lime particles. Surface covered with a pale yellow
(2.5Y8/2) slip, partly worn off.
Dimensions: H4.1 x W9.4. Thickness (body): 0.6 cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 20cm.
Drawing: #95a
Photo: no
56
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Fragment of an incurved rim bowl. Traces of
secondary firing on the surface.
Fabric: Clay is very pale brown to light yellowish brown
(10YR7/4-6/4), numerous small and larger black inclusions as
well as a few limestone inclusions and a few larger reddish to
orange ones.
Dimensions: W5,3 x H3.3. Thickness (body): 0.7. Estimated
diameter (rim): 19 cm.
Drawing: #42
Photo: no
57
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Rimfragment of a bowl with an incurved,
thickened rim. On the rim there are traces of secondary
firing.
Local Fabric type 2: reddish yellow clay (7.5YR6/6), with
numerous large and smaller limestone inclusions, some large
black inclusions and occasional large red or dark yellowish
inclusions. On the exterior surface the vessel have been
covered by a pale yellow (2.5Y7/3) slip.
Dimensions: W7.7 x H8.2. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.8cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 19 cm.
Drawing: #41
Photo: no
58
Context: Room 38, 840.
Description: Fragment of an incurved rim bowl.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6) with small
limestone and pyroxene particles and single large limestone
inclusions (up to 0.5mm).
Dimensions: H6.9 x W5.5. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.6.
Estimated diameter (rim): 24cm.
21
Drawing: #91
Photo: no
59
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Fragment of a large, deep, slightly incurved rim
bowl.
Local Fabric type 2: Clay is pale yellow towards the interior
(2.5Y7/3) and light red (2.5YR6/6) towards the exterior.
Surface covered with a pale yellow slip (2.5Y8/2). With some
small black to brownish inclusions as well as some small
white ones (sandlike structure) and numerous black particles
(fabric type #2).
Dimensions: H12.5 x W8.9. Thickness (body): 0.9-1.0cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 28 cm.
Drawing: #87
Photo: no
60
Context: Room 31, 809
Rimfragment of a plate. On the interior decorated with two
bands of red paint (10R4/6) one on the resting surface and
another just below it.
Local Fabric type 1: Red (2.5YR5/6), slightly micacious with
numerous limestone and pyroxene particles as well as larger
pyroxene inclusions.
Dimensions: W5.6 x H3.0. Thickness (body): 0.6. Estimated
diameter (rim): 14 cm.
Drawing: #n36
Photo: no
Lekythoi
61
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Mouth of a lekythos with part of a vertical
handle (oblong in section).
Dimensions: H (including handle) 4 cm x W5.7 cm. Diameter
(mouth) 3 cm.
Drawing: # 217
Photo: no
62
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Mouth of a small lekythos with handle
attachment.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/8-4/8). With single
tiny limestone inclusions and quartz (?).
Dimensions: H 3.5 x W3.7cm. Thickness (body): 0.2-0.3cm.
Diameter (rim): 3.2cm.
22
Drawing: #131
Photo: no
63
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Mouth of lekythos with handle attachment.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (10R5/8-4/8) with some small
pyroxene and limestone inclusions. Gold mica visible on the
surface.
Dimensions: H5.9 x W6.3. Thickness (body): 0.5 cm. Diameter
(rim): 6.5cm.
Drawing: #216
Photo: no
Unguentarium
64
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Fragment of a base of a small oil container
(possibly an unguentarium).
Fabric: Micacious clay, red (2.5YR5/6), relatively finely
levigated with some tiny to small pyroxene and limestone
inclusions and single large sand particles (up to 2mm). Single
golden mica visible on the surface.
Dimensions: H4.7 x W4.9. Thickness (body): 0.6-0.7.
Diameter (base): 3cm.
Drawing: #133
Photo: no
Jugs
65
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Loop handle of a small jug.
Local Fabric type 2: Clay is very pale brown (10YR7/4) with
some large red and black, pyroxene, inclusions as well as
limestone particles and voids. Exterior of the vessel is
covered with a pale yellow slip (2.5Y8/2). Numerous large
and smaller black inclusions as well as voids are visible on the
surface.
Dimensions: H10.4 x W2.2 x T0.4-0.8.
23
Drawing: #n37
Photo: no
66
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rim, part of handle, low neck and shoulder of a
jug. 6 joining fragments.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6). Small to
large pyroxene and limestone inclusions. Micacious clay,
golden mica visible on the surface.
Dimensions: H10.8 x W13.2. Thickness: 0.4-0.9cm. Diameter
(rim): 7.9cm.
Drawing: #103
Photo: no
67
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Rim fragment of a jug with a low neck.
Local Fabric type 2: Clay is light red (2.5YR6/6) towards the
interior and pale brown (10YR6/3) towards the exterior. With
dark reddish-brown inclusions (up to 2mm), numerous
smaller pyroxene and limestone inclusions. Surface covered
with a pale yellow slip (2.5Y8/2). Dimensions: H7.8 x W7.8.
Thickness (body): 0.5-0.8cm. Estimated diameter (rim): 7cm.
Drawing: #101
Photo: no
68
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Downturned rim of a jug with a low neck and
part of the offset for the shoulder.
Local Fabric type 2: Clay is reddish yellow (7.5YR6/6. The
surface is covered with a very pale brown slip (10YR8/2).
Dimensions: H3.3 x W7.5. Thickness (body): 0.4cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 8cm.
Drawing: #70
Photo: no
69
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Rim and handle of a jug.
Local Fabric type 2: Clay is light brown (7.5YR6/4) with some
small pyroxene, limestone and reddish inclusions. Surface
covered with a pale yellow slip (2.5Y8/2).
Dimensions: H13 x W9. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.6. Estimated
diameter (rim): 11cm.
Drawing: #113
Photo: no
70
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rim and handle of jug.
Fabric: Clay is red to reddish yellow (2.5YR5/6- 5YR6/6) with
some small and tiny limestone and pyroxene inclusions.
24
Drawing: #110
Photo: no
Dimensions: H5.7 x W6.4. Thickness (body): 0.5cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 11cm.
71
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rim of a jug.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6) with numerous pyroxene and
limestone particles as well as tiny inclusions. Surface covered
with a pale yellow (2.5Y8/2) slip.
Dimensions: H6.1 x W5. Thickness (body): 0.3-0.4cm
Estimated diameter (rim): 10cm.
Drawing: #119
Photo: no
72
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Flatbottomed base of a large closed vessel,
probably a jug. Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8), relatively coarse
with numerous large and smaller limestone inclusions, as
well as some large pyroxene inclusions (occasional large red
or dark yellowish inclusions).
Diameter (base): 10 cm. Dimensions: H4.5 x W13.7.
Thickness (body): 0.9 cm.
Drawing: #74
Photo: no
73
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Protruding rim and neck fragment with painted
decoration in weak red (10R5/4-4/4) painted on the rim and
a narrow band on the neck.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay surface is porous. Clay core is red
(2.5YR5/6-5/8) with pyroxene and limestone particles.
Towards the exterior the clay is gray to grayish brown
(10YR5/1-5/2) probably due to secondary firing.
Dimensions: H8.2 x W9.6. Thickness (body): 0.6. Estimated
diameter (rim): 17cm.
Drawing: #88
Photo: Yes (Iris 2008)
74
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Handle of a jug, oval in section. 3 bands of red
paint below the handle. Paint is weak red (10R5/4).
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (10R5/8) with some small to
large limestone inclusions (up to 2mm) and pyroxene
inclusions.
Dimensions: H(including handle) 12.7 x W(body) 8. Thickness
(body) 0.4. Handle: W 3.0cm x T1.0cm.
25
Drawing: #142
Photo: no
75
Context: Room 38, 809
Description: Part of handle and body of a large jug wih traces
of secondary firing. Below the handle there are two parallel
bands of reddish brown to red paint (2.5YR5/4-5/6).
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6), coarse,
with numerous limestone and pyroxene inclusions.
Dimensions: H9 x W8.7. Thickness (body) 1.0cm.
Comparisons: Zolotarev 1995, fig. 10-12.
Drawing: #48
Photo: no
76
Context: Room 31, 867
Description: Three joining bodyfragments from the shoulder
of a jug decorated with 3 bands in dark brown to very dark
grey (7.5YR3/1-3/2).
Fabric: Clay is light brown to reddish yellow (7.5YR6/4-6/6)
with numerous small and larger black inclusions as well as
some larger whitish ones (quartz?).
Dimensions: W15.5 x H6.8. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.7cm.
Drawing: no
Photo: yes (Context 879, #4) (Iris 2008)
77
Drawing: no
Photo: yes (Context 852, #5) (Iris 2008)
Context: Room 31, 852
Description: Shoulderfragment of a jug decorated with
painted bands in weak red (10R4/4) and white.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8).
Dimensions: H8 x W8.9. Thickness (body): 0.6-0.8.
Floral-painted vessels
78
Context: Room 31, 809; Room 38, 910 & 879.
Description: Two rimfragments and three bodyfragments of
a large serving dish. Resting surface is decorated with a
stamped wave pattern and the overhanging part of the rim is
decorated with a stamped ovolo pattern. Large rope handle
fastened below the rim and attached horizontally to the
overhanging rim. The interior of the vessel have been
carefully burnished and faint traces of a finely painted floral
pattern can be seen.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6), relatively fine with
26
Drawing: context 809, 46a; context 910, 45; context
879, 141a
Photo: yes (with details of the stamped decoration of
the handles, no photos of bodyfragments) (Iris 2008).
some pyroxene, grey and white (limestone) medium sized
inclusions as well as particles. Sligtly micacious. Paint: red
(10R4/6)..
Dimensions: Rimfragment #1: H6 x W 12.5. Thickness (body)
1.4. Rimfragment #2: H3.4 x W10.9 cm. Thickness (body) 1.3
cm. Resting surface (rim): W4.4 cm. Fragment #1: H3.8 x
W5.2 cm. Fragment #2: H6.2 x W6. Fragment #3: H4.4 x
W2.5. Estimated diameter (rim): c. 44 cm.
79
Context: courtyard, 782
6 joining fragments of an outbend rim, handle, neck and
shoulder of a jug. On the neck decorated with olive garland
and below this a row of painted dots. The shoulder is
decorated with an ivy garland with dotted flowers and below
these three parallel bands. Paint: red (10R4/4).
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6), numerous
limestone and pyroxene inclusions.
Dimensions: H 13.8. Thickness (body): 0.4-0.6 cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 11cm. Estimated diameter (body): 16cm.
Date: 3rd century BC.
Drawing: #25
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
80
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Shoulderfragment with handle attachment and
bodyfragment of a large vessel (amphora or hydria).
Decorated with fine floral decoration in weak red (10R4/4)
paint. Below the handle two bands of fainted weak red paint.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/8), fine, with a few
pyroxene and limestone particles and some small inclusions.
Dimensions: Fragment #1 (with handleattachment): H7.4 x
W14.8. Thickness (body): 1.0cm. Fragment #2: H5.1 x W7.4.
Thickness (body): 0.7cm.
Drawing: #165
Photo: yes
81
Context: Room 38, 910
Description: Bodyfragment of a large vessel (possibly a jug or
an amphora) with painted garland of large leafs on the
shoulder. Paint: red (near 10R5/6-4/6).
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8), coarse,
numerous inclusions of limestone and pyroxene.
Dimensions: H8 x W10.4. Thickness (body): 0.8-1.1.
27
Drawing: Context #910, 96
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
82
Context: Room 38, 879
Description: Shoulderfragment of a closed vessel decorated
with floral patterns and dotted flowers.
Fabric: Clay is light yellowish brown to yellowish brown
(10YR6/4-5/4), very finely levigated with only a few visible
grey and reddish particles. The surface on the interior and
exterior is covered with a thick layer of pale yellow slip
(2.5Y8/2).
Dimensions: H5.4 x W4.5 x T0.4-0.5cm.
Drawing: #171
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
83
Context: Room 38, 827
Description: Shoulderfragment with floral decoration in dark
reddish brown paint (5YR3/3).
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8) with limestone
and pyroxene inclusions. The surface of the clay is micacious.
Dimensions: H5.7 x W5 cm. Thickness (body): 0.5cm.
Drawing: #71
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
84
Context: Room 38, 879,
Description: Shoulderfragment with floral decoration in dark
reddish brown paint (5YR3/3).
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8) with limestone
and pyroxene inclusions. The surface of the clay is micacious.
Dimensions: W6.8 x H4.4. Thickness (body): 0.5 cm.
Estimated diameter (neck): 10cm.
Drawing: #169
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
85
Context: Room 38, 879 & 906
Description: Two joining shoulder fragments of a vessel with
painted floral decoration in weak red (10R4/4) paint. The
surface of the vessel is burnished.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/8), fine, with a few limestone and
pyroxene inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.1 x W4.6. Thickness (body): 0.4cm.
Drawing: Context 879, # 167; Context 906, #48.
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
86
Context: Room 38, 879
Comparisons: Rim and neck fragment of a small vessel with
painted decoration in weak red (10R4/4). Below the rim
three painted bands and below this part of a rhombic pattern
28
Drawing: #166
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
can be seen.
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6), fine clay
with only a few pyroxene and limestone particles visible.
Dimensions: H3.3 x W3.4 x T0.2-0.3cm. Estimated diameter
(rim): 10cm.
Kitchen Ware
The kitchen ware consists partly of handmade vessels and partly of wheelmade vessels, both types seems
to have been almost equally represented within the assemblage. While the wheelmade cooking pots
usually are made in a fine fabric with added fine temper of limestone and other minerals, the fabric of the
handmade vessels generally are coarser and sometimes tempered with sand, small stones and crushed
potsherds. Clear traces of soot and the fact that the fabric in many cases was fired into dark brown or black
are clear indications for the use of these vessels for cooking on an open fire.
Handmade vessels: One example of a small one-handled handmade vessel with a flat base was
fragmentary, but it was possibly to reconstruct the vessel almost completely (87). All handmade bases are
flat (88-89). Rims are en general rounded and turning outwards (90-92, 95), except for one example which
is flat instead of rounded (93). A few rim fragments were found that had fingerprints impressed as
decoration below the rim (e.g. 95).
Wheelmade vessels: Rim fragments have a more or less profound ledge on the interior, which was used to
support the lid of the vessel (96-101). Several lid-fragments with a small handle knob on the top were
found (102-104). Preserved handles are in general round in section (105-106) and seems to have been
placed horizontally on the vessel. Unfortunately no complete shapes of these cooking vessels can be
reconstructed on the basis of the preserved fragments. But similar features are found on cooking pots
published from Zolotarev’s excavations of block 96.43 One example of a flat high swung vertical handle was
also found (107).44
Louteria : Around 10 diagnostic fragments of the louteria shape were identified. Characteristic is the clay
strip placed horizontally to the rim and fingerprints impressed into it. The size of the vessels ranges from c.
30-35 cm in diameter (108-111).45
Handmade
87
Drawing: #2
Photo: no
Context: Room 31, 867
Description: 10 joining fragments of a handmade
43
Zolotarev 2005, fig. 15.
Similar example of this handle shape was found on a cooking vessel from Panskoye; Kašaev 2002, C132, plate 95
(with further references).
45
For similar examples of this shape see; Kašaev 2002, p. 159; Zolotarev 2005.
44
29
kitchenware vessel with outturned rim and vertical handle.
Fabric: Clay is dark gray to black from the use of the vessel
for cooking. Clay is coarse with numerous inclusions of
limestone, quartz (?) and single small to large voids.
Dimensions: H9.5. Diameter (rim): 10cm. Diameter (base):
6cm.
88
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Fragment of flatbottomed base from a
handmade vessel.
Fabric: Clay is porous, numerous small voids on the interior
surface. Clay is dark grey (10YR4/1) with numerous limestone
particles and small inclusions as well as grey/black ones.
Dimensions: H4.5 x W3.9. Thickness (body): 0.3-0.5.
Estimated diameter (base): 7cm.
Drawing: #42
Photo: no
89
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Flatbottomed base of handmade vessel.
Fabric: Micacious clay, gold mica visible on the surface. Black
clay (7.5YR2.5/1), with some small limestone inclusions.
Dimensions: H3.5 x W7.5. Thickness (body): 0.7-1.1.
Estimated diameter (base):9cm.
Drawing: #32
Photo: no
90
Context Room 31, 828
Description: Rim of handmade vessel.
Fabric: Clay is very dark grey (7.5YR3/1), tempered with fine
sand.
Dimensions: H3.2 x W4.9 x T0.5-0.6. Estimated diameter:
9cm.
Drawing: #40
Photo: no
91
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rimfragment of handmade vessel.
Fabric: Clay is reddish brown to red (2.5YR4/4-4/6) with
numerous white and grey inclusions and a few black ones.
Dimensions: H4.1 x W4.9. Thickness (body): 0.5. Estimated
diameter: 10cm.
92
30
Drawing: #39
Photo: no
Context Room 31, 809
Description: Rim of handmade vessel.
Fabric: Very coarse clay tempered with small to large sand
particles and tiny stones. Clay is reddish brown (5YR4/3).
Dimensions: H4 x W6. Thickness (body): 0.5cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 14 (?) cm.
Drawing: #19
Photo: no
93
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Rimfragment of a handmade cooking vessel.
Fabric: Clay is coarse, tempered with crushed potsherds and
small to large (up to 4mm) limestone inclusions. Clay is very
dark grey (10YR3/1).
Dimensions: H7 x W8.4. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.6. Estimated
diameter (rim): 14-15cm.
Drawing: #17
Photo: no
94
Drawing: #38
Photo: no
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rim of a handmade vessel.
Fabric: The structure of the clay is porous, tempered with
fine sand. Colour of clay is very dark grey to dark reddish
brown (5YR3/1-3/2).
Dimensions: H4.7 x W5.9. Thickness: 0.6cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): ca. 18 cm.
95
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Rimfragment of a handmade vessel. Flat rim
slightly turning inwards. 3 fordybninger of fingertips are
visible on the exterior surface of the vessel.
Fabric: Clay is dark grey to very dark grey (7.5YR4/1-3/1),
small rounded white, reddish and grey inclusions (sand or
gravel?, finer than sample #9 but still similar in composition).
Dimensions: H2.5 x W4.1. Thickness (body): 0.5. Estimated
diameter (rim): ?
Drawing: #16
Photo: no
Wheel-made
96
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Two joining fragments of rim and bodyfragment
from a wheelmade vessel with a sharply outturned rim which
gives a ledge for the rim. The outer surface has been
31
Drawing: #57
Photo: no
burnished and there is a fordybning on the shoulder where
the hande was attached.
Fabric: Micacious clay with some ”gold mica” visible on the
surface. Clay is fine with only a few small white inclusions,
clay is black.
Dimensions: H6.3 x W8.2. Thickness (body): 0.5. Estimated
diameter (rim): ca. 16cm.
97
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: 3 joining fragments of the rim of a wheelmade
vessel with a ledge for the lid.
Fabric: Clay is reddish brown (5YR4/4) and tempered with
fine sand. The surface is darkened from the use of the vessel
for cooking.
Dimensions: H4 x W10. Thickness (body): 0.3cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 17cm.
Drawing: #58
Photo: no
98
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rim fragment with a ledge for the lid. Surface of
the vessel is misfired from the use of the vessel for cooking.
Fabric: The clay core is red (2.5YR4/6), finely levigated clay,
micacious with only a few small black and white inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.3 x W8.1. Thickness (body): 0.5-0.6.
Estimated diameter (rim): 19-20cm.
Drawing: #55
Photo: no
99
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: 4 fragments of a flatbottomed base and rim (2 x
2 fragments are joining).
Fabric: Clay is dark grey (10YR4/1) with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: Fragment #1: H7.4 x W5.9 cm. Thickness (body):
0.4-0.5. cm Fragment # 2: H6.1 x W4.5. Thickness (body): 0.40.6cm. Estimated diameter (rim): 18cm.
Drawing: #56
Photo: no
100
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rimfragment with a ledge for the lid.
Fabric: Clay is relatively fine with some black and white
particles and occasionally dark brownish inclusions (up to
1.5mm). surface of the clay is micacious.
Dimensions: H5 x W5.9. Thickness (body): 0.4cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 22-23cm.
32
Drawing: #53
Photo: no
101
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Wheelmade rim with a ledge for the lid.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/6-5/8), micacious clay with a few
white and black particles. Though generally the clay is finely
levigated.
Dimensions: W5.2 x H3.9. Thickness (body): 0.4-0.5cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 28 cm.
Drawing: #54
Photo: no
102
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Fragment of a wheelmade lid.
Fabric: Clay is dark grayish brown (10YR4/2), relatively fine
with only a few white inclusions.
Dimensions: H6.6 x W5. Thickness (body): 0.4cm. Not
possible to estimate diameter.
Drawing: #66
Photo: no
103
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: 3 joining fragments of a lid. Wheelmade.
Clay is dark grey to brown (7.5YR4/1-4/3), slightly micacious
with single gold mica visible on the surface, Numerous
limestone particles and some larger inclusions (white stones)
up to 4mm long.
Dimensions: H8.7 x W9.5. Thickness (body): 0.4. Estimated
diameter: 13 cm.
Drawing: #65
Photo: no
104
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: 2 x 2 joining fragments of a wheelmade lid.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/8) fine with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: Fragment #1: H5.5 x W2.5. Thickness (body):
0.3cm. Fragment #2: H6.9 x W4.0. Thickness (body): 0.3 cm.
Estimated diameter: 17cm.
Drawing: #67
Photo: no
105
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Round vertical handle.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/8), finely levigated with only a few
limestone and black particles, micacious. Reference:
33
Drawing: #60
Photo: no
Dimensions W6.4 x H2.9. Thickness: 1.4cm.
106
Drawing: #61
Photo: no
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Round vertical handle.
Fabric: Clay is reddish brown (5YR4/4), levigated with fine
sand, micacious.
Dimensions: W6.7 x H2.3. Thickness: 1.2cm.
107
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: high-swung handle, flat in section.
Fabric: Clay is dark gray (7.5YR4/1) with no visible inclusions.
Fragment size: H9 x W3.5 x T0.8cm.
Drawing: #51
Photo: no
Louteria
108
Context: Room 38, 908
Description: Rimfragment of louteria
Fabric: Clay is pale yellow (5Y7/4), coarse, with numerous
small and larger black inclusions.
Dimensions: H13.7 x W15.2. Thickness (body): 0.9-1.5cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 31 cm.
Comparisons: Zolotarev 1995, fig. 13.5-6.
Drawing: #4
Photo: no
109
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Louteria, rim-fragment.
Local Fabric type 1: Red clay (2.5YR5/8) with numerous small
and larger limestone inclusions, as well as some large black
and reddish ones.
Dimensions: W15.2 x H8.2. Thickness (body): 0.8cm.
Diameter (rim): 34 cm.
Comparisons: Hellenistic louterion, probably from the 3rd
century, local, see Zolotarev 1995, fig. 13.5-6.
Drawing: #38
Photo: no
110
Context: Room 31, 828
Rimfragment of louteria.
Local Fabric type 1: red clay (2.5YR5/6-5/8) with numerous
limestone particles and small inclusions as well as small to
medium sized black inclusions (pyroxene).
Dimensions: H5.8 x W9.5. Thickness (body): 0.9-1.0cm.
Estimated diameter (rim): 34 cm.
Comparisons: Zolotarev 1995, fig. 13.5-6.
34
Drawing: #88
Photo: no
111
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Large jar with rolled clay handle on the rim and
attached below it.
Fabric: Clay is light red (10R/86) in the center and light brown
towards the surfaces (7.5YR6/4). Coarse clay with numerous
small to large black particles (pyroxene), as well as some
small to large limestone particles.
Dimensions: W10.4 x H4.5. Thickness (body): 1.0. Estimated
diameter (rim): 31cm.
Drawing: #92
Photo: no
Graffiti
7 fragments with graffiti were found in the Hellenistic deposit, the majority of which came from context
828 in room 31 (113-114, 116-119). In room 38 two fragments with graffiti (115 and 120) and also a single
fragment of a local amphora with lines in red paint (112) was found. The majority of the graffiti are placed
below the bases of black gloss vessels, it is single letters (113, 115, 117) or monograms (116 and 119). This
type of graffiti on black gloss vessels is normally categorized as abbreviations of names, which marked the
owner of a cup, bowl etc.
112
Context: Room 31, 809
Description: Two joining fragments of rim, neck, handle and
shoulder of a local amphora. On the shoulder decorated with
two oblique and two parallel horizontal lines in red paint.
Fabric: Clay is red (2.5YR5/8), relatively fine, with single
limestone and pyroxene inclusions and gold mica. Surface
covered with a very pale brown slip (10YR8/3).
Dimensions: H12.5 x W(body)14.7 x W(neck)7 x H(handle) 8 x
T(handle) 1.7 x T(shoulder) 0.5-0.7. Estimated diameter (rim):
7 cm.
Drawing: context 809, #4
Photo: no
113
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Shoulderfragment of a commonware jug or an
amphora. Graffito: Αρ(..)
Local Fabric type 1: Clay is reddish yellow to yellowish red
(5YR6/6-5/6) with some tiny black and greyish inclusions
Dimensions: H11.5 x W12. Thickness (body): 0.8-0.9.
Comparisons:
35
Drawing: context 828, #23
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
114
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Bodyfragment decorated on the exterior with
two incised lines connected with oblique lines.
Fabric: Light brown clay (7.5YR6/4), fine, very micacious.
Dimensions: W5.8 x H2.8. Thickness (body): 0.8cm.
Comparisons:
Drawing: Context 828, #35
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
115
Context: Room 38, 840
Description: Ringbase of a black gloss vessel with graffiti
below the base. Hardly worn gloss added to the interior and
exterior of the vessel (only running slip on the resting
surface). One fingerprint visible above the base from the
adding of the slip. Graffito: Να (..)
Fabric: Micacious clay, reddish yellow to yellowish red
(5YR6/6-5/6) with no visible inclusions.
Dimensions: H8.1 x W5.7. Diameter (base): 5cm.
Comparisons:
Drawing: Context 840, #218
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
116
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Fragment of a black gloss base with graffiti.
Dull dark grey slip added to the interior. Exterior is unslipped.
Graffito: Αρ(..) ligature
Fabric: Clay is reddish brown (5YR5/4) with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H4.4 x W6.2. Thickness (body): 0.6cm.
36
Drawing: Context 828, #211
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
117
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Ringbase fragment of a black gloss vessel with a
heavily worn slip added to the interior and parts of the
exterior (no slip below the base).
Graffito: Γονα (..)?
Fabric: Slightly micacious clay, no inclusions, reddish brown
colour (5YR5/4).
Dimensions: H5.7 x W3.4. Diameter (base): 4cm.
Comparisons:
Drawing: Context 828, #205
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
118
Drawing: Context 828, #187
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Rim of a black gloss drinking vessel (bolstercup). Dark brownish slip with sheen. Graffito: see drawing
(cannot be identified).
Fabric: Clay is yellowish red (5YR5/6) with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H2 x W5. Thickness (body) 0.3 cm. Estimated
diameter (rim): 12 cm.
Comparisons: shape is similar to 22 and 23.
119
Context: Room 31, 828
Description: Ringbase of a black gloss vessel. Vessel covered
with a dark brown to black gloss with sheen. Traces of
running slip below the base.
Graffito: Ηρα(..)
monogram
Α(..)
Fabric: Micacious clay with no visible inclusions, red
(2.5YR5/8).
Dimensions: H1.5 x W7.5. Diameter (base): 6cm.
37
Drawing: Context 828, #216 – special find #3685
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
120
Drawing: Context 879, #284
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Context: Room 38, 879.
Description: Broken rim of a black gloss fish plate with
unslipped groove at the upper part. Slip is black, dull.
Graffito: see drawing. Cannot be identified.
Fabric: Fine clay with no visible inclusions. Reddish brown
(5YR5/4) clay.
Dimensions: H3.1 x W3.3. Thickness (body): 0.6cm.
121
CH05 #6/37425
Description: Rimfragment of a thinwalled vessel probably a
drinking cup. Black slip worn off at the edges, thick with
some sheen. Graffito: Pιν(..)
Fabric: Clay is reddish brown (5YR4/3) , fine with no visible
inclusions.
Dimensions: H2.5 x W4.5. Thickness (body): 0.2-0.4.
Estimated diameter (rim): 8-9cm.
Comparisons: A lexicon of Greek Personal Names vol. IV, p.
299 (se Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum XL, 615 A,
18)
38
Drawing: no (?)
Photo: yes (Iris 2008)
Illustrations
Fig. 1: Fragment of an amphora found in Room A of the potter’s workshops in the area south-west of
Zeno’s tower excavated by Borisova in 1956. (Inventory no. N72/36442). Photo: Chris (Crimean
Chersonesos, fig. 8.51, p. 92)
Fig. 2: Neck and shoulder fragment of an amphora found in Room D of the potter’s workshop in the area
south-west of Zeno’s tower excavated by Borisova in 1957 (inventory no. N32/36571). On the neck there is
a double molded band and below this a frieze of dots in red paint followed by an egg and dart pattern. On
the shoulder part of the vessel a floral pattern with scrolls and flowers and below this 4 bands. Photo: Iris
2008.
Fig. 3: Hydria found during Leper’s excavations of Hellenistic necropolis in 1913. On the shoulder the vessel
is decorated with a garland of large leafs in red paint, which has been partly worn off. (Inventory no.
N3260). Photo: Iris 2008.
39
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