Stamps of Hellenistic Imported Amphorae Found in the Excavations of Nicaea (Iznik) Theater

Abstract

During the recent excavations in the Roman Theater in Nicaea (Iznik), constructed under the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan between AD 98-117, numerous Hellenistic ceramics were found in the levels dated to the period before its construction. Among them, stamps belonging to imported amphorae have also been unearthed. Stamps of Greek and Latin amphorae indicate both the preference and demand of the inhabitants of Nicaea as well as shed preliminary information about the Hellenistic trade of the city. In this article, these amphora stamps, the trade relations of the production centers with the city and the region, and the ancient routes used for bringing goods into the city are discussed.