A Group of Amphorae from the Southern Black Sea Shore
Eighth International Congress on Black Sea Antiquities, Warszawa, Polonya, 14 - 18 Eylül 2026, cilt.1, ss.108-109, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Cilt numarası: 1
- Basıldığı Şehir: Warszawa
- Basıldığı Ülke: Polonya
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.108-109
- Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Amphorae, frequently used in maritime trade, wash up on the shores of the Black Sea or get caught in fishermen's nets. Today, fishermen collect amphorae in the 52 km-long Kandıra district of İzmit (Nicomedeia), located on the southern Black Sea coast. Amphorae, used primarily to transport liquid commodities in Antiquity, were the main cargo of ships involved in regional or interregional trade in the Black Sea. The amphorae examined in the present study, collected by fishermen, vary in type, size, and physical features, and date to different periods. In addition to wine, olive oil and similar liquid commodities, terracotta amphorae carry gourmet foods specific to Mediterranean cuisine, such as garum, a fish sauce. Studying amphorae provides information about the ports they first departed from and visited. A macroscopic examination yields basic details of the amphorae's physical characteristics, such as shape, size, capacity, paste color, paste inclusions, and stamps or graffiti. Comparing these with those of other amphorae may reveal the place of production, the culture, and the period to which an amphora belongs.
Our study is an ongoing endeavor that aims to illuminate emporion and apoikiai relations and trade in the southern Black Sea coast. We are doing this by examining the types, historical periods, and quantitative and qualitative characteristics of amphorae found on the shores of Kandıra, İzmit. This presentation provides a macroscopic review of recently recovered transport amphorae, which forms the first part of our comprehensive study. We look forward to sharing more insights as our research progresses.