Amphora Stamps Research Articles

A Ptolemaic context from Hellenistic Patara. Remarks on amphora stamps and coins

Archaeological investigation at Patara, on the south-western coast of Türkiye, has generated new data concerning the city’s status under Ptolemaic rule in the 3rd century BC. In this study, we focus on a Hellenistic context found at the Tepecik Settlement dating from the period of Ptolemaic hegemony. A Rhodian amphora bearing a stamp on each handle and four coins found in situ enable us to date this context to the first half of the 3rd century BC. The amphora, which was produced in the Rhodian Peraia, slightly further north-west along the Turkish coast, records the eponym Χρυσόστρατος (c. 266 BC) and fabricant Ἀστός. The pairing of these two persons is here clearly confirmed for the first time. The four coins found in the same context include a bronze Macedonian regal coin, two ancient counterfeit silver-plated bronze coins (one recording the name of Alexander the Great and the other recording the name of Ptolemy I Soter), and a genuine Rhodian silver coin carrying the name of the magistrate Ἀριστόβιος. The Rhodian amphora stamps lend further precision to the dating of this context and coins. Thus, we suggest the period c. 275–265/264 BC for the dating of the Rhodian silver coin and the tenure of the Rhodian magistrate Ἀριστόβιος.

Hellenistic and Roman Stamped Amphora Handles from Phaselis

Phaselis is a harbour city located at the point where the Lykia, Pamphylia and Pisidia regions intersect. During the surveys and excavations carried out between 2019 and 2023, a total of 18 stamped amphora handles were found at different points of the city - the Hellenistic Temple, Main Street and Necropolis. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to classify the stamped amphora handles according to their production centres, date the stamped handles, determine whether the names on the stamps refer to eponyms or fabricants, and improve understanding Phaselis’ maritime trade relationships. As a result, in this study, the amphora stamps found in the city were classified according to their production centre: Rhodes (13), Rhodian Peraea (1), Knidos (1), Pamphylia (2), and Latin DR 2-4. While the earliest example of stamped handles can be dated back to the second quarter of the 3rd century BC, the latest example is dated to the end of the 1st century BC - 1st century AD.

POMPEY'S APULIAN ESTATES

Pompey owned numerous properties in Italy, but except for a few residential villas little is known of their location or economic function. However, two amphora stamps have been attributed to him, which show that he was involved in the manufacture of amphorae, and probably in the production of the wine. Four tile stamps, found in the vicinity of Gravina in Puglia and at a villa at San Gilio in the upper Bradano valley, can also be attributed to Pompey for reasons discussed in detail in this paper. Since they were found in locations close to a drove road, it is inferred that Pompey had invested in properties which could be used as pasture for transhumant sheep. The circumstances in which he acquired the estate near Gravina are discussed, and it is suggested that it fell within the territory of Silvium and is likely to have been acquired by him after the War of Spartacus in which the settlement was destroyed. It is also suggested that the estate was bought by Octavian in the sale of Pompey's properties, which was still ongoing in 44 BC.

Amphora Stamps of the Hellenistic and Roman Periods from Myra and its Harbor Neighborhood of Andriake

Myra-Andriake kazılarında 2009 yılından bu yana devam eden çalışmalar kapsamında, Andriake güney kentte ve Myra Tiyatrosundaki çalışmalarda tespit edilen 34 adet mühürlü amphora kulbu bu çalışmanın konusunu oluşturmaktadır. Toplamda 30 adet Hellenistik Dönem, 1 adet Hellenistik-Roma ve 3 adet Roma İmparatorluk-Geç Antik Çağ mührü tespit edilmiştir. Makale kapsamında, Myra ve Andriake’de bulunmuş amphora mühürlerini üretim merkezlerine göre sınıflandırmak, mühürleri tarihlemek, mühürlerdeki isimlerin yöneticiye mi yoksa üreticiye mi ait olduğunu belirlemek ve Myra ile Andriake’nin ticari ilişkilerini tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır.

Hellenistic Amphora Stamps from Kalynda

This article analyzes twenty-six amphora stamps found during the excavations at the ancient city of Kalynda in 2022-2023. Twenty are identified as being of Rhodian origin, five are from Knidos, and one is unidentified. These finds not only contribute to our understanding of the Hellenistic history of the settlement but also provide some new information on the distribution and statistics of stamped amphora handles in southwestern Asia Minor. The quantity of stamped amphora handles found in Kalynda during a brief excavation period suggests that the settlement engaged in commercial relations with neighboring regions in the Hellenistic era. About 85% of the stamps found relate to the 3rd century BC, verifying the locality’s situation on a bustling trade path as backed by epigraphic documents and literary sources. These connections indicate an important relationship between Kalynda and the Ptolemaic administration.

Typology and Chronology of Akanthian Amphorae

The amphora stamps of the Chalcidian city-state Akanthos were localized a little over 30 years ago due to discovering of ceramic workshops remains, where defective stamped fragments were found. The complete amphorae forms have come to be known quite recently, with a significant part of the findings being attributed to the Black Sea region. Taking into account materials from the Akanthos amphora workshops and numerous findings of vessels in the Akanthian necropolis, it became possible to develop a container typology used in this center and provide a detailed chronology of ceramic containers of this city-state. However, the findings from the Northern Black Sea region are of special significance. They were recovered in well-dated burial and settlement complexes: the Prikubanskiy necropolis, in Olbia, Phanagoria, Gorgippia, Chersonesos, Luzanovka, a kurgan cemetery near the village settlement Bogachevka, etc. While we only know one Akanthian amphora belonging to the 5th century BC, then, for the following 4th century BC within the first – third quarters, at least 4 types of containers are identified within several variants: I-A, I-B, II, III-A, III-B, IV. There are reasons for considering that some samples of amphorae on a “shot glass-shaped” toe (“Mendean”) dating back to the 5th and 4th centuries BC are qualified as Akanthian products. They were manufactured outside of Mende in a number of other centers of Chalkidiki: Scione, Aphytis and Thoron.

CERAMIC STAMPS FROM VILINO (RASSADNOE) — IN PERIODIZATION AND CHRONOLOGY OF THE SITE (SOUTH-WESTERN CRIMEA)

This paper is devoted to the publication of amphora stamps discovered during excavation at the settlement of Vilino (Rassadnoe) in 2008—2014.
 During the research of the settlement the eastern border of the ancient estate and the main chronological framework of the settlement life were ascertained. The stone monumental structure was discovered in 2008. This is the cistern for collecting and storage of rainwater. In the Late Scythian time it was used as a burial structure (crypt).
 Ceramic stamps found at the site are represented by such centers as Sinopa, Chersonesos, Rhodes. Unfortunately not all of them were discovered in the cultural layers (in situ) and some were found in disturbed layers, at the surface or in the looter’s holes. Nevertheless, with a lesser or greater degree of probability, it’s possible to correlate them with the chronology of the settlement and periods of its life.
 On the excavated areas of the site four building periods (A—D) were observed — two Classic and two Late Scythian. The first period is associated with the time of activity of the Greek fortified estate (Chersonesos Сhora) from the last quarter of the 4th to the early 3rd century BC. In the second period, after a break, the population has come back to the settlement in the last quarter of the 3rd century BC. There was the period of recolonization during which the restructuring of the settlement has carried out. At the end of the first quarter of the 2nd century BC the life at the settlement was stopped. The next two periods correspond to the Late Scythian culture. However, the layers and building remains of the late 2nd century BC — 1st century AD was destroyed by plowing and looter’s holes. The upper horizon of the settlement contains the material from the 1st—3rd centuries AD.
 The stamps and other archaeological material are important chronological indicators of the archaeological site in the system of the Chora of Chersonesos and in the whole Western Crimea.

Trade Relations between Byzantion and the Black Sea Region in the Hellenistic Period: An Assessment through Recently Found Amphora Stamps

The rescue excavations undertaken on the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in recent years have revealed significant information regarding Byzantion, which had an active and strategic role in Hellenistic trade. A highly important part of the work in question was undoubtedly the excavations carried out within the scope of the Marmaray Project. A large number of artefacts and structures were brought to light throughout the excavations of the project at the Sirkeci station. Among these finds were amphora stamps which had previously been little known. The excavations uncovered finds that shed new light on the commercial relations between Byzantion and
 two important cities in the Black Sea region - Chersonesus and Sinope. This study results from documenting these amphora stamps. Although these amphora stamps provide information regarding a limited geographical area within Byzantion, nevertheless, they provide some idea regarding the larger commercial relationships of the city.

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

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.

Using Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to document ancient amphora stamps from Tanais, Russia. Reflections on first approach to their digitalisation

The presented paper discusses the use of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) in the process of digitalisation of stamps on Greek amphorae. The 2019 season of Polish excavations at ancient Tanais, Russia yielded twenty eight stamps. Authors of this paper documented each stamp by means of traditional photographic documentation, drawing, stamp rubbing and two RTI models. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possible applications of RTI technology with respect to documentation of stamps, as well as its use in the field of epigraphic analysis and information transfer.

New research on Aegean & Pontic transport amphorae of the ninth to first century BC, 2010–2020

Research on transport amphorae in the Aegean and the Black Sea regions during the past decade has progressed significantly, both accumulating, synthesizing and interpreting new and old data, and increasing attention given to previously neglected areas and periods. Much work has been done on identifying places of production, defining typological development and refining chronologies. Greece and Turkey are achieving greater prominence in the field, as is attention to the Early Iron Age. Old debates – such as on the purposes and the meanings of amphora stamps – have been reignited with new ideas and the roles of transport amphorae in socio-economic systems continue to draw attention. Another emerging trend is the effort to consider amphorae in the longue durée. As material grows and the field becomes more cosmopolitan, amphora studies increasingly face the challenge of aggregating and synthesizing data in a way that can encourage participation in the broader dialogues of economic historians.

Les Pisidiens à Rhodes aux époques hellénistique et romaine

In the perspective of a complete external prosopography of the Pisidians in progress, this article presents a commented catalogue of 61 persons who lived on the island of Rhodos and in its Carian Peraia from the 3rd century BCE to the beginning of the Roman Imperial period. Concerning those slaves, mercenaries, artists, craftsmen or merchants, a historical context is provided, then remarks on their juristic, social and economical status. The evoked documentation is based on inscribed monuments—mainly funerary—and amphora stamps.

Book Review of Lexicon of Eponym Dies on Rhodian Amphora Stamps, by Gonca Cankardeş-Şenol

Book Review of Lexicon of Eponym Dies on Rhodian Amphora Stamps, by Gonca Cankardeş-Şenol

Амфорные клейма из раскопок поселения Вышестеблиевская-3 на Таманском полуострове в 2013 г.

Амфорные клейма из раскопок поселения Вышестеблиевская-3 на Таманском полуострове в 2013 г.

The ecology of Roman trade. Reconstructing provincial connectivity with similarity measures

The creation of the Roman Empire promoted the connectivity of a vast area around the Mediterranean sea. Mobility and trade flourished over the Roman provinces as massive amounts of goods were shipped over thousands of kilometres through sea, rivers and road networks. Several works have explored these dynamics of interaction in specific case studies but there is still no consensus on the intensity of this connectivity beyond local trade.We argue here that the debate on the degree of large-scale connectivity across the empire is caused by a lack of appropriate methods and proxies of economic activity. The last years have seen an improvement on the availability of evidence as a growing amount of datasets is collected and published. However, data does not equal knowledge and the methods used to analyse this evidence have not advanced at the same pace.A new framework of connectivity analysis has been applied here to reveal the existence of distinctive trade routes through the provinces of the Western region of Rome. The amphora stamps collected over more than a thousand sites have been analysed using quantitative measures of similarity. The patterns that emerge from the analysis highlight the intense connectivity derived from factors such as the spatial closeness, presence of military units and the relevance of the Atlantic sea as a main shipping route.

Амфорные клейма средиземноморских центров из поселения Чобручи на левобережье Нижнего Днестра

Амфорные клейма средиземноморских центров из поселения Чобручи на левобережье Нижнего Днестра

Amphora Stamps from Thasos The Athenian Agora, Results of Excavations Conducted by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens 37 CHAVDARTZOCHEV xx + 244pp., illustrations, American School of Classical Studies, Princeton, 2016, $150 (hbk), ISBN 978

Amphora Stamps from Thasos The Athenian Agora, Results of Excavations Conducted by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens 37 CHAVDARTZOCHEV xx + 244pp., illustrations, American School of Classical Studies, Princeton, 2016, $150 (hbk), ISBN 978

Chavdar Tzochev. The Athenian Agora Volume XXXVII. Amphora Stamps from Thasos.

Chavdar Tzochev’s Amphora Stamps from Thasos is an excellent addition to the Athenian Agora Series and an exhaustive study of an important material category, so abundantly attested at the Agora. T’s book not only consists of a detailed discussion of the typology and chronology of Thasian amphora stamps but also is an attempt to interpret the distribution of the stamps within a wider socio-economic context. Clearly laid out and expertly presented, the book equally serves as an excellent introduction to amphora stamps from Thasos more generally. The book as such is not only of interest to the amphora stamp specialist but would also appeal to a more general audience interested in the wider socio-economic importance of Thasian amphorae and the practices associated with stamping. T., therefore, succeeds marvellously in presenting and discussing a highly specialist data-set in such a way as to be of interest to specialists and more general readers alike.

La chronologie des éponymes rhodiens de la fin du IIIe s. et du premier tiers du IIe s. Nouvelles hypothèses

The new chronological suggestions made by N. Badoud and J. Lund for the Rhodian eponyms call for a review of the dating proposed by G. Finkielsztejn and for a new chronology for the end of the 3rd century BC and the first three decades of the 2nd century BC. The hypothesis here proposed matches almost entirely the period III of the Rhodian amphora stamps. In this study, arguments are made to date the Rhodian arbitration in the dispute between Samos and Priene in 183 and to lower by 9 years the Camiros catalogs from the recent proposal of N. Badoud.

Materiale arheologice noi, descoperite la Histria, Punctul „Pescărie” / New Archaeological Finds Discovered at Histria – “Pescărie”

O săpătură de salvare cu caracter preventiv în punctul Histria–„ Pescărie” a prilejuit recuperarea unui bogat inventar arheologic, majoritar de epocă elenistică. Materialele par să provină dintr-un tumul distrus mai demult, din care au mai fost identificate trei morminte. Punctul cercetat se află în zona de contact dintre cartierul extra muros roman timpuriu şi tumulii din necropola de vest a cetăţii Histria. Într-o variantă de interpretare, putem considera că, în acest punct, locuirea de epocă greacă este suprapusă direct de un tumul de epocă romană (în acord cu situarea tumulilor din apropiere deja cercetaţi – VII, VIII şi XXXV, din perioada a III-a de amenajare a necropolei). Nu este exclusă nici posibilitatea ca materialele greceşti să provină dintr-un tumul din perioada de autonomie a cetăţii, în care s-au practicat ulterior şi alte înmormântări. În această interpretare, el ar reprezenta, împreună cu tumulul XXXVI, complexele funerare cele mai vechi şi mai apropiate de incinta elenistică de pe platoul de vest al cetăţii. Inventarul arheologic constă în ştampile amforice (de Thasos, Sinope, Rhodos, Cnidos, tip Parmeniskos), boluri fragmentare cu decor în relief, ceramică atică cu decor, fragmente de kantharoi (între care unul cu graffito), opaiţe etc. Ștampilele amforice asigură o datare spre mijlocul sec. IV a. Chr. (365/ 360 a. Chr.) până în primele trei decenii sau spre mijlocul sec. II a. Chr. Cel mai bine reprezentat (pentru toate categoriile de materiale) este sec. III a. Chr. Piesele cu datare mai timpurie (prima jumătate a sec. IV, eventual chiar sfârşitul sec. V a. Chr.) sau ulterioare mijlocului sec. II a. Chr. sunt puţine. Singurele piese de inventar care aparţin perioadei romane sunt obiectele de os.