On the Ceramic Imports from Sinope at Olbia Pontica (on the Example of Architectural Terracottas)

Abstract

In the paper architectural terracottas — facade elements of building ceramics, which were imported to Olbia from Sinope for the decorative design of the roofs of public and, presumably, residential buildings, are studied. In the Olbian collection, fragments from various structurally-different parts are selected. These are frontal antefixes in the shape of multi-pelated palmettes and gorgoneions, as well as simas with ovolos and meander motifs and zoomorphic downspouts in the shape of lion protomes. It has been established that the time of the maximum spread of the Sinopean import of construction ceramics in Olbia was in the Late Classical — Early Hellenistic period. Usually, the import of such parts did not extend to the 3rd century BC, although the duration of their usage, along with tiles, was longer, which is recorded by finds. The absolute majority of Sinopean architectural terracotta finds come from the territory of the Upper City and are probably related to public buildings. Olbia, along with Istria and Bosporan centres, especially Panticapaeum and Nymphaion, was an active consumer of these products. Olbia still lacks evidence of its own production of architectural terracottas, although the tile production imitating Sinopean types is known. This distinguishes Olbia from other centres of the Northern Black Sea region, in particular Chersonesos and Panticapaeum, which are known for their own manufacturing of such products, inspired by Sinope. A significant amount of tile decor of Sinopean origin confirms the importance of the Olbian market in the trade of ceramic building materials with this South Pontic centre.