Analytical study of Roman red slip ware from ancient Tripolis (Denizli, Turkey)

Abstract

Roman red slip ware uncovered at Tripolis, an ancient city of Lydia region in modern Denizli province, Turkey, was analyzed for geochemical and mineralogical properties in order to clarify their manufacturing technology. Samples were examined by optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence. Results thus obtained indicate that the analyzed red slip wares can be divided into three groups based on the inclusion types, and grain sizes. Mineralogical compositions also reflect differences in production technology. The firing temperatures are estimated from the phase assemblages as <800 °C for the Group 1 and 2 samples and about 900 °C for Group 3 samples. Group 1 was probably produced from local clays (Lykos Valley) in Denizli region. Group 2 shows clear similarity with local clay but it is from different origin (probably from Meander Valley (Menderes Massif clays). Whereas Group 3 does not seem to be a local production of Tripolis, rather wares imported from possibly Sagalassos in ancient Pisidia of Turkey.