The present study, part of the series of publications on the eastern cemetery of Pella, completes... more The present study, part of the series of publications on the eastern cemetery of Pella, completes the account on the excavation and the finds up to 2010. Another rich corpus of excavated material is thus made public, providing new data to further disclose aspects of the life the inhabitants of Pella enjoyed and that was broadly experienced in northern Greek lands. The various fields encompassed include burial practices, cults, the social structure, art, manufacture and trade.
This work constitutes the final publication of the red-figure pottery from the Greek-Canadian exc... more This work constitutes the final publication of the red-figure pottery from the Greek-Canadian excavation at Argilos, found from 1992 until 2006, and from 2010 to the present day. In total, approximately 650 parts of red-figure vases were examined. Most of the material is preserved in a very fragmentary condition, as is to be expected, since the sherds come from non-burial contexts. A selection has been made of the most characteristic examples regarding shape, decoration and condition of preservation. These are presented in the catalogue, but are also examined in more detail within the text. Attributions to specific vase-painters and workshops have been made whenever that was possible. For the final conclusions, all the sherds from the excavations of Argilos, even those that are not presented in the catalogue have been taken into consideration.
Τῷ διδασκάλῳ. Τιμητικός τόμος για τον καθηγητή Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη, 2019
Η Πέλλα είναι σήμερα ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επισκέψιμους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους της Ελλάδας... more Η Πέλλα είναι σήμερα ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επισκέψιμους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους της Ελλάδας που συνδυαστικά με το νεόδμητο μουσείο διαμορφώνουν ένα μοναδικό αρχαιολογικό σύνολο. Σε αυτό το έργο, που παρήχθη, η συμβολή του καθηγητή κ. Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη υπήρξε καθοριστική. Αφοσιωμένος επιστήμονας με ακούραστη διάθεση επικέντρωσε την επιστημονική του έρευνα στην ανασκαφή και τη μελέτη της Αγοράς της Πέλλας και έφερε στο φως το μεγάλο αυτό συγκρότημα που μας επέτρεψε να κατανοήσουμε το μέγεθος της αρχαίας πρωτεύουσας και το ρόλο της στον ελληνιστικό κόσμο.
Subject of my postdoctoral thesis is the study of the red-figure pottery from the Pella Agora, wh... more Subject of my postdoctoral thesis is the study of the red-figure pottery from the Pella Agora, which includes the finds from the Agora complex itself, from town blocks I/2, I/4, I/6, and I/7 south of the Agora, and from the roads around the Agora and the aforementioned town blocks. The majority of pottery came to light during the excavation, which was conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This archaeological material is extremely interesting regarding the vase shapes, iconography, workshops, and the dating of the vases. Furthermore, it offers valuable information on the Classical period, which is fairly unknown in Pella.
This study focuses on 103 tombs unearthed over the period 1991-2007. Most of these belong to the ... more This study focuses on 103 tombs unearthed over the period 1991-2007. Most of these belong to the second half of the 4th century and only a few to the early 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Traces of both inhumations and cremations were found. The dead were burried with a variety of objects: black-glaze, red-figure, glass vases, metal objects, jewelry and coins. Each category of objects is treated in a defferent chapter.
In the publication of my PhD I study the red-figured pottery of an unknown pottery workshop that ... more In the publication of my PhD I study the red-figured pottery of an unknown pottery workshop that was traced at Pella. This workshop, dated to the second half of the 4th century b. C., numbers about two hundred three red – figure sherds and twenty four parts of lekanides decorated with added paint over the glaze. All of the material was found at Pella except two pelikes from Toumba Paionias and Edessa. Apart from macroscopical observation some sherds were chemically analysed in order to understand the characteristic elements of clay. These analyses were conducted by the Institute of Cultural and Educational Technology “Athena”.
The red figure local workshop is the first that has come to light in the heartland of the Macedonian kingdom during the 4th century b. C. and is related to the latest period of red figure vase painting in Athens, from which it is highly influenced. It produced mainly lekanides, and to a smaller degree askoi and pelikes. A single kalathos was also found. The vases were decorated with oriental heads accompanied by griffons or felines, women heads wearing sakkos, scenes inspired from the feminine world, human figures with animals, grypomachies, mantled youths and floral motifs. These iconographic subjects, with small exceptions, are inspired from attic workshops, mainly from the Vienna Lekanis Group, the Group of the Nuptial Lekanides, the Otchët Group, the Painter of Agora P17562, the Painter of the Reading Lekanis, the Painter of Ferrara T408, the G Group and others.
Our research led to the recognition of three vase painters, the Painters of Pella A, B and C. The shapes of vases they prefered, their iconographical subjects and the way they rendered human forms, animals, griffons, floral motifs and other iconographical subjects attest to the fact that these painters had common prototypes and worked in the same workshop influencing each other’s work.
Local red-figured vases can be dated to the second half of the 4th century b. C. This is deducted mainly from the chronology of attic workshops that inspired local production. Finds from deposits of Pella’s Agora indicate that these vases were used up to the second quarter of the 3rd century b. C.
In conclusion, the red-figured vases under study were probably produced in Pella as is indicated by the large number of sherds found in the Macedonian capital, the small radius of vase distribution, the characteristics of clay and glaze and the finding of all attic workshops that inspired local production in Pella. They had domestic use, since very few of them have been found in graveyards and sanctuaries and were mostly used by women. The small amount of vases that was found outside Pella indicates that these vases were rarely exported. Local red-figured vases were produced probably due to the decline of production in Attica during the third quarter of the 4th century b. C. It is interesting to note that after the middle of the 4th century b. C. attic red-figured pottery was still imported in Pella in greater numbers than local red-figured vases.
In this article part of a red-figure plate, found in the fill of the road west of the “Enimerosis... more In this article part of a red-figure plate, found in the fill of the road west of the “Enimerosis” block of the area of the new entrance of the archaeological site of Pella, is presented. Plates with a rolled rim, such as the one found in Pella, are rarely decorated with red-figure scenes, and are usually black-glazed. On the tondo a nude female figure holding a flower is depicted, along with a Satyr who is harassing her. Usually, female figures with Satyrs in similar scenes are identified with Maenads, however, the nudity of the figure, the flower she is holding and the lack of a thyrsus, animal skin or musical instrument allude to a Nymph or even Aphrodite. Similar iconographic scenes are common in 4th century cups. The vase cannot be attributed to a specific vase-painter, although certain traits can be compared with the style of the Jena and Diomedes Painters. Comparison with the work of the vase-painters mentioned above allows the dating of the vessel around 400-390 BC. The plate under examination is one among the many red-figure vases that arrived in the Pella from Attica.
In this paper, the red-figure lekanides that
were produced in the workshop of Chalcidice
are exam... more In this paper, the red-figure lekanides that were produced in the workshop of Chalcidice are examined. In addition to the eleven (11) lekanides sherds from Olynthos and Torone already identified by I. McPhee as products of the workshop under examination, seven (7) more lekanides and sherds are attributed to the same workshop by the author. These include: a lekanis with a black-glaze body and a red-figure lid decorated with three felines, two partly preserved lids depicting busts with Oriental headdresses and busts of griffins, three sherds depicting partly preserved female figures - all from the excavations of Olynthos. Finally, an intact lekanis from the Lambropoulos Collection, attributed to the Painter of Olynthos 5.141; it features a body decorated with vertical zig zag lines, and a red-figure scene depicting two female figures and Eros. All the mentioned lekanides are dated in the first half of the 4th century BC. In addition, an attempt is also made to summarize the basic characteristics of the lekanides of the local workshop of Chalcidice and identify the differences from the contemporary Attic models. In addition to the color and the composition of both clay and glaze, characteristic traits include the use of red or orange wash on reserved surfaces, bodies either black-glazed or decorated with silhouette motifs, bands on the upper surface of the knobs, and the absence of decorative zones on the upper part of the lids and on the rims, among other features. The redfigure scenes imitate elements of well-known Attic workshops that were quite popular in Macedonia, such as the Otchët Group, the Nuptial Lekanides, the Painter of Salonica 38.291, the Group of the Vienna Lekanis, and others.
In this article is examined the phenomenon of the effect of Attic red-figure pottery over local c... more In this article is examined the phenomenon of the effect of Attic red-figure pottery over local ceramic production in north Greece, and especially the local workshop of Pella, which was active in the second half of the 4th century BC. During this period, although the quality of Attic red-figure pottery drops, red-figure products remain wide spread all over the Mediterranean and affect several local workshops. Shapes, iconography and vase painters of the workshop of Pella are discussed in connection with other workshops, such as the workshop of Chalcidice and the workshop of the “watercolour pelikai” in the Black Sea Region. Finally, as an addendum, new sherds of the local workshop of Pella are presented here for the first time.
In this paper we study some 300 coins, almost exclusively bronzes, from three sanctuaries located... more In this paper we study some 300 coins, almost exclusively bronzes, from three sanctuaries located in Pella, capital of the Macedonian kingdom during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Excavations by the local Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities have exposed the sanctuaries of Demeter Thesmophoros, of the Mother of the Gods and Aphrodite, and of Darron, a local healing deity. Finds consist mainly of issues of the Macedonian kings, Macedonia or Botteatai; following the battle of Pydna, civic issues of Pella, Thessaloniki and Amphipolis appear in large numbers. Coins from outside Macedonia are scarce, making up only 3,5% of all the total(s). These finds lead to some interesting conclusions regarding the use and circulation of coins in sanctuaries following the economic, military and cultural growth of the Macedonian kingdom in the early Hellenistic period. Findspots within the sanctuaries can also be related to specific cult activities and numismatic materials can then be compared to previously published finds of coins from other areas of Pella (houses, public buildings and cemeteries).
This article examines various aspects of the red-figure pottery
trade during the fourth century ... more This article examines various aspects of the red-figure pottery trade during the fourth century BC in two neighbouring areas, Macedonia and Aegean Thrace. Archaeological material from major sites of the Macedonian kingdom (Pella, Aigai, Aiane), Chalcidice (Olynthos, Akanthos, Torone) and eastern Macedonia (Amphipolis, Argilos, Thasos) are included. Regarding Aegean Thrace, emphasis is given to material from important ancient coastal cities, such as Abdera, Maroneia, Zone and Ainos, among others. It is important to note that shortly after the middle of the fourth century BC, during Philip II’s reign, the regions of modern-day Macedonia and Thrace belonged to the same political entity, the Macedonian kingdom. An overview of the red-figure pottery is presented for each region, according to modern-day archaeological research and bibliography. This overview includes the examination of red-figure vase-shapes, iconography, vase-painters and workshops. Special emphasis is given to the impact and distribution of Attic red-figure pottery, which represents the bulk of the archaeological material in almost all sites under view. Apart from Attic pottery, local production of red-figure vases is examined, as well as the import of red-figure vases from other pottery centres. Furthermore, remarks on the trade routes in antiquity are made. Finally, the trade of redfigure pottery is related to historical events
The topic of this paper is the red-figure
pottery from the ancient region of Upper
Macedonia, whi... more The topic of this paper is the red-figure pottery from the ancient region of Upper Macedonia, which is largely to be identified with modern day western Macedonia, in Greece. Special emphasis is given to unpublished material from sites of the prefecture of Kozani, which covers the ancient regions of Elimeia and Eordaia, and, also, to several vases from the cemetery of Achlada, Florina, that belonged to the ancient region of Lyncestis. Other red-figure vessels coming from the ancient regions of Tymphaia (modern- day prefecture of Grevena) and Orestis (modern-day prefecture of Kastoria) are presented briefly, drawing on the so far published material. After a short introduction setting out the excavation context, we examine the shapes and decoration of the red-figure vessels, followed by attributions to workshops and comments on the chronology of the archaeological material. The conclusions remark on the trade of red-figure pottery. A detailed catalogue of the vases is appended.
This article examines a special category of vases that were produced in the pottery workshops of ... more This article examines a special category of vases that were produced in the pottery workshops of North Greece, mainly Aiane and Pella, during the 2nd half of the 4th and the 1st half of the 3rd century BC. These vases were decorated with silhouette motifs, while on some examples silhouette motifs are combined with others in outline. Vases of the workshop of Aiane include mainly closed shapes (hydrias and oinochoai) and plates, while in the workshop of Pella, lekanides are by far the most common shape; other shapes include askoi, phialai, plates and jugs. Decoration is restricted to floral and geometric motifs that can be compared with similar motifs appearing on contemporary red-figure vases, mosaics and textiles, probably inspired by paintings that are now lost. Besides the presentation of the archaeological material, some well-dated contexts with vases decorated with silhouette motifs are also examined. Also, the conditions that led to the production of these vases are discussed, as well as their diffusion, and connection to similar categories of pottery from other parts of mainland Greece.
Ιn this paper is examined the handle of a bronze mirror that was found in the region of Phacus of... more Ιn this paper is examined the handle of a bronze mirror that was found in the region of Phacus of Pella, in an excavation conducted in 2003 by the honoree. The bronze handle belongs to the category of the caryatid mirrors, whose main characteristic is that the handle has the form of a female figure. From the mirror only part of the female statuette is preserved. The mirror, its total height estimated around 25-28 cm, would have a disc, usually with engraved decoration or small statues of Erotes, animals or mythical beings, and a composite base. The mirror from Pella is attributed to a provincial workshop with Sikyonian influence, and is dated around 470-460 B.C. It cannot be connected with a specific building, because it was found in an archaeological layer of the Hellenistic period, however, like most parallels of the type it could have been dedicated to a sanctuary or less probably it could have been used in a house or other public building. Caryatid mirrors are very rare in north Greece, since examples of the type, besides Pella, have only been found in Aiane and Thasos.
In this article the presence of coins from the mints of the Chalcidice within the boundaries of t... more In this article the presence of coins from the mints of the Chalcidice within the boundaries of the Macedonian kingdom is examined. Along with coin hoards, we include archaeological material from various sites to understand and interpret the existence of coins of the cities of Chalcidice, the Chalcidic League, and the Bottiaeans within the Macedonian kingdom. After the final conclusions, a group of bronze coins from the excavations of Pella is published as an appendix. Coins from mints of the Chalcidice that have been found in the Macedonian kingdom are few. So far, most coins (37) can be attributed to the Chalcidic League, another 3 to the Bottiaeans, and 4 to the Chalcidic League or the Bottiaeans. Second comes Acanthus with 16 coins, and third Potidaia with 12. Further, 7 coins can be attributed to Aphytis, 5 to Mende, 4 to Scione and 1-2 issues to Aineia, Dikaia and possibly Sermyle. Finally, Ouranopolis is represented with 3 coins. Most of these coins came to light in excavations in burial and non-burial contexts, and some also were buried in coin hoards. The earliest of these issues are dated in the first half of the 5th century BC. The number of coins rises slightly in the second half of the 5th century coins, while most of the numismatic material belongs to the first half of the 4th century BC. Finally, rather few are the coins of the second half of the 4th century BC. Most of the coins and coin hoards of the first half of the 4th century BC can probably be linked to the invasion of the army of the Chalcidic League into Macedonia. People traveling from Chalcidice to Macedonia are another source.
This article presents a small hoard of nine bronze coins that was discovered during excavations i... more This article presents a small hoard of nine bronze coins that was discovered during excavations in room 29 of the east wing of the Agora of Pella, buried below a clay floor of the Hellenistic period. It contains one bronze coin in the name of the Amphaxians, three in the name of the Macedonians Amphaxians, four in the name of the Macedonians Botteatai, and one in the name of the Macedonians. Their description is the following (see p. 205, images 1-9): no. 1 Head of Herakles r. / Club, ΑΜΦΑ-ΞΙΩΝ, all in laurel wreath nos. 2-4: Head of Apollo r. / Tripod, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ nos. 5-8: Head of Zeus r. / Winged thunderbolt, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ no. 9 Head of Apollo r. / kithara, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ Both the dating and the circulation pattern of the bronze issues of the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians have been discussed extensively; it is now generally accepted that they were minted during the reign of the two last kings, Philip V and Perseus to serve for the needs of the local economies, but their issuing continued after the battle of Pydna and the control of Macedonia by the Romans. The iconography and the mintmarks of these coins can be connected to two other groups of bronze coins that were minted after 168 BC, namely the coins of the Roman quaestors in Macedonia and the autonomous coins of three major cities of the region, Thessaloniki, Pella and Amphipolis. The hoard from Pella is a rare case, because it only contains coins minted by the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians whereas no issues of Philip V and Perseus, the Roman quaestors or the three cities are present, as in most hoards. It is also worth mentioning that the type Heracles/club of the Amphaxians found in the Pella hoard, so far has been only encountered in hoards dated after the abolishment of the monarchy in 168. For these reasons, we suggest that the hoard Pella/2011 should be dated to the years 168-148 BC, that is after the battle of Pydna and before the creation of the Roman province of Macedonia.
In this article various aspects of red-figure pottery trade from the late 6th until the late 4th ... more In this article various aspects of red-figure pottery trade from the late 6th until the late 4th century BC within the boundaries of the Macedonian kingdom and beyond its northern borders are discussed. An overview of the red-figure pottery is presented according to modern-day archaeological research and bibliography. This overview includes the examination of red-figure vase-shapes, iconography, vase-painters and workshops. Special emphasis is given to the impact and distribution of Attic red-figure pottery, which represents the bulk of the archaeological material in almost all sites under examination. Especially interesting is the appearance of red-figure vases from the same Attic workshops in the south and northern parts of the kingdom from the late 5th century BC and onwards. Besides Attic pottery, local production of red-figure vases is examined, as well as the import of red-figure vases from other pottery centers. Finally, remarks on the trade routes in antiquity are made.
In 1979, excavations in the eastern cemetery of Pella brought to light, among other finds, a smal... more In 1979, excavations in the eastern cemetery of Pella brought to light, among other finds, a small clay disc that depicts a three-headed deity. This rare object was found with several vases and figurines that allow its dating in the early Hellenistic period. In this article, after a short description of the find, and an examination of its context, special emphasis is given to the identification of the depicted deity and her most probable relation with the goddess Hekate. The clay disc possibly had a magicprotective character related with the passage of the dead to the underworld.
The excavations of the last decades in ancient Argilos have brought to light a multitude of ceram... more The excavations of the last decades in ancient Argilos have brought to light a multitude of ceramics enriching our knowledge about the trade and production of ceramics in northern Greece during antiquity. Particularly interesting is the discovery of part of a red-figure lekanis, no. C 9211, which depicts a scene of the female world. This vessel was published by Hubert Giroux and attributed to the Otchët Group. In this article, we will examine various issues related to this finding, such as the presence of this Attic workshop in northern Greece, its impact on local production and the chronology of its activities. We will also discuss the trade of Attic red-figure pottery during the 4th century B.C.
The present study, part of the series of publications on the eastern cemetery of Pella, completes... more The present study, part of the series of publications on the eastern cemetery of Pella, completes the account on the excavation and the finds up to 2010. Another rich corpus of excavated material is thus made public, providing new data to further disclose aspects of the life the inhabitants of Pella enjoyed and that was broadly experienced in northern Greek lands. The various fields encompassed include burial practices, cults, the social structure, art, manufacture and trade.
This work constitutes the final publication of the red-figure pottery from the Greek-Canadian exc... more This work constitutes the final publication of the red-figure pottery from the Greek-Canadian excavation at Argilos, found from 1992 until 2006, and from 2010 to the present day. In total, approximately 650 parts of red-figure vases were examined. Most of the material is preserved in a very fragmentary condition, as is to be expected, since the sherds come from non-burial contexts. A selection has been made of the most characteristic examples regarding shape, decoration and condition of preservation. These are presented in the catalogue, but are also examined in more detail within the text. Attributions to specific vase-painters and workshops have been made whenever that was possible. For the final conclusions, all the sherds from the excavations of Argilos, even those that are not presented in the catalogue have been taken into consideration.
Τῷ διδασκάλῳ. Τιμητικός τόμος για τον καθηγητή Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη, 2019
Η Πέλλα είναι σήμερα ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επισκέψιμους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους της Ελλάδας... more Η Πέλλα είναι σήμερα ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επισκέψιμους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους της Ελλάδας που συνδυαστικά με το νεόδμητο μουσείο διαμορφώνουν ένα μοναδικό αρχαιολογικό σύνολο. Σε αυτό το έργο, που παρήχθη, η συμβολή του καθηγητή κ. Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη υπήρξε καθοριστική. Αφοσιωμένος επιστήμονας με ακούραστη διάθεση επικέντρωσε την επιστημονική του έρευνα στην ανασκαφή και τη μελέτη της Αγοράς της Πέλλας και έφερε στο φως το μεγάλο αυτό συγκρότημα που μας επέτρεψε να κατανοήσουμε το μέγεθος της αρχαίας πρωτεύουσας και το ρόλο της στον ελληνιστικό κόσμο.
Subject of my postdoctoral thesis is the study of the red-figure pottery from the Pella Agora, wh... more Subject of my postdoctoral thesis is the study of the red-figure pottery from the Pella Agora, which includes the finds from the Agora complex itself, from town blocks I/2, I/4, I/6, and I/7 south of the Agora, and from the roads around the Agora and the aforementioned town blocks. The majority of pottery came to light during the excavation, which was conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This archaeological material is extremely interesting regarding the vase shapes, iconography, workshops, and the dating of the vases. Furthermore, it offers valuable information on the Classical period, which is fairly unknown in Pella.
This study focuses on 103 tombs unearthed over the period 1991-2007. Most of these belong to the ... more This study focuses on 103 tombs unearthed over the period 1991-2007. Most of these belong to the second half of the 4th century and only a few to the early 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Traces of both inhumations and cremations were found. The dead were burried with a variety of objects: black-glaze, red-figure, glass vases, metal objects, jewelry and coins. Each category of objects is treated in a defferent chapter.
In the publication of my PhD I study the red-figured pottery of an unknown pottery workshop that ... more In the publication of my PhD I study the red-figured pottery of an unknown pottery workshop that was traced at Pella. This workshop, dated to the second half of the 4th century b. C., numbers about two hundred three red – figure sherds and twenty four parts of lekanides decorated with added paint over the glaze. All of the material was found at Pella except two pelikes from Toumba Paionias and Edessa. Apart from macroscopical observation some sherds were chemically analysed in order to understand the characteristic elements of clay. These analyses were conducted by the Institute of Cultural and Educational Technology “Athena”.
The red figure local workshop is the first that has come to light in the heartland of the Macedonian kingdom during the 4th century b. C. and is related to the latest period of red figure vase painting in Athens, from which it is highly influenced. It produced mainly lekanides, and to a smaller degree askoi and pelikes. A single kalathos was also found. The vases were decorated with oriental heads accompanied by griffons or felines, women heads wearing sakkos, scenes inspired from the feminine world, human figures with animals, grypomachies, mantled youths and floral motifs. These iconographic subjects, with small exceptions, are inspired from attic workshops, mainly from the Vienna Lekanis Group, the Group of the Nuptial Lekanides, the Otchët Group, the Painter of Agora P17562, the Painter of the Reading Lekanis, the Painter of Ferrara T408, the G Group and others.
Our research led to the recognition of three vase painters, the Painters of Pella A, B and C. The shapes of vases they prefered, their iconographical subjects and the way they rendered human forms, animals, griffons, floral motifs and other iconographical subjects attest to the fact that these painters had common prototypes and worked in the same workshop influencing each other’s work.
Local red-figured vases can be dated to the second half of the 4th century b. C. This is deducted mainly from the chronology of attic workshops that inspired local production. Finds from deposits of Pella’s Agora indicate that these vases were used up to the second quarter of the 3rd century b. C.
In conclusion, the red-figured vases under study were probably produced in Pella as is indicated by the large number of sherds found in the Macedonian capital, the small radius of vase distribution, the characteristics of clay and glaze and the finding of all attic workshops that inspired local production in Pella. They had domestic use, since very few of them have been found in graveyards and sanctuaries and were mostly used by women. The small amount of vases that was found outside Pella indicates that these vases were rarely exported. Local red-figured vases were produced probably due to the decline of production in Attica during the third quarter of the 4th century b. C. It is interesting to note that after the middle of the 4th century b. C. attic red-figured pottery was still imported in Pella in greater numbers than local red-figured vases.
In this article part of a red-figure plate, found in the fill of the road west of the “Enimerosis... more In this article part of a red-figure plate, found in the fill of the road west of the “Enimerosis” block of the area of the new entrance of the archaeological site of Pella, is presented. Plates with a rolled rim, such as the one found in Pella, are rarely decorated with red-figure scenes, and are usually black-glazed. On the tondo a nude female figure holding a flower is depicted, along with a Satyr who is harassing her. Usually, female figures with Satyrs in similar scenes are identified with Maenads, however, the nudity of the figure, the flower she is holding and the lack of a thyrsus, animal skin or musical instrument allude to a Nymph or even Aphrodite. Similar iconographic scenes are common in 4th century cups. The vase cannot be attributed to a specific vase-painter, although certain traits can be compared with the style of the Jena and Diomedes Painters. Comparison with the work of the vase-painters mentioned above allows the dating of the vessel around 400-390 BC. The plate under examination is one among the many red-figure vases that arrived in the Pella from Attica.
In this paper, the red-figure lekanides that
were produced in the workshop of Chalcidice
are exam... more In this paper, the red-figure lekanides that were produced in the workshop of Chalcidice are examined. In addition to the eleven (11) lekanides sherds from Olynthos and Torone already identified by I. McPhee as products of the workshop under examination, seven (7) more lekanides and sherds are attributed to the same workshop by the author. These include: a lekanis with a black-glaze body and a red-figure lid decorated with three felines, two partly preserved lids depicting busts with Oriental headdresses and busts of griffins, three sherds depicting partly preserved female figures - all from the excavations of Olynthos. Finally, an intact lekanis from the Lambropoulos Collection, attributed to the Painter of Olynthos 5.141; it features a body decorated with vertical zig zag lines, and a red-figure scene depicting two female figures and Eros. All the mentioned lekanides are dated in the first half of the 4th century BC. In addition, an attempt is also made to summarize the basic characteristics of the lekanides of the local workshop of Chalcidice and identify the differences from the contemporary Attic models. In addition to the color and the composition of both clay and glaze, characteristic traits include the use of red or orange wash on reserved surfaces, bodies either black-glazed or decorated with silhouette motifs, bands on the upper surface of the knobs, and the absence of decorative zones on the upper part of the lids and on the rims, among other features. The redfigure scenes imitate elements of well-known Attic workshops that were quite popular in Macedonia, such as the Otchët Group, the Nuptial Lekanides, the Painter of Salonica 38.291, the Group of the Vienna Lekanis, and others.
In this article is examined the phenomenon of the effect of Attic red-figure pottery over local c... more In this article is examined the phenomenon of the effect of Attic red-figure pottery over local ceramic production in north Greece, and especially the local workshop of Pella, which was active in the second half of the 4th century BC. During this period, although the quality of Attic red-figure pottery drops, red-figure products remain wide spread all over the Mediterranean and affect several local workshops. Shapes, iconography and vase painters of the workshop of Pella are discussed in connection with other workshops, such as the workshop of Chalcidice and the workshop of the “watercolour pelikai” in the Black Sea Region. Finally, as an addendum, new sherds of the local workshop of Pella are presented here for the first time.
In this paper we study some 300 coins, almost exclusively bronzes, from three sanctuaries located... more In this paper we study some 300 coins, almost exclusively bronzes, from three sanctuaries located in Pella, capital of the Macedonian kingdom during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Excavations by the local Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities have exposed the sanctuaries of Demeter Thesmophoros, of the Mother of the Gods and Aphrodite, and of Darron, a local healing deity. Finds consist mainly of issues of the Macedonian kings, Macedonia or Botteatai; following the battle of Pydna, civic issues of Pella, Thessaloniki and Amphipolis appear in large numbers. Coins from outside Macedonia are scarce, making up only 3,5% of all the total(s). These finds lead to some interesting conclusions regarding the use and circulation of coins in sanctuaries following the economic, military and cultural growth of the Macedonian kingdom in the early Hellenistic period. Findspots within the sanctuaries can also be related to specific cult activities and numismatic materials can then be compared to previously published finds of coins from other areas of Pella (houses, public buildings and cemeteries).
This article examines various aspects of the red-figure pottery
trade during the fourth century ... more This article examines various aspects of the red-figure pottery trade during the fourth century BC in two neighbouring areas, Macedonia and Aegean Thrace. Archaeological material from major sites of the Macedonian kingdom (Pella, Aigai, Aiane), Chalcidice (Olynthos, Akanthos, Torone) and eastern Macedonia (Amphipolis, Argilos, Thasos) are included. Regarding Aegean Thrace, emphasis is given to material from important ancient coastal cities, such as Abdera, Maroneia, Zone and Ainos, among others. It is important to note that shortly after the middle of the fourth century BC, during Philip II’s reign, the regions of modern-day Macedonia and Thrace belonged to the same political entity, the Macedonian kingdom. An overview of the red-figure pottery is presented for each region, according to modern-day archaeological research and bibliography. This overview includes the examination of red-figure vase-shapes, iconography, vase-painters and workshops. Special emphasis is given to the impact and distribution of Attic red-figure pottery, which represents the bulk of the archaeological material in almost all sites under view. Apart from Attic pottery, local production of red-figure vases is examined, as well as the import of red-figure vases from other pottery centres. Furthermore, remarks on the trade routes in antiquity are made. Finally, the trade of redfigure pottery is related to historical events
The topic of this paper is the red-figure
pottery from the ancient region of Upper
Macedonia, whi... more The topic of this paper is the red-figure pottery from the ancient region of Upper Macedonia, which is largely to be identified with modern day western Macedonia, in Greece. Special emphasis is given to unpublished material from sites of the prefecture of Kozani, which covers the ancient regions of Elimeia and Eordaia, and, also, to several vases from the cemetery of Achlada, Florina, that belonged to the ancient region of Lyncestis. Other red-figure vessels coming from the ancient regions of Tymphaia (modern- day prefecture of Grevena) and Orestis (modern-day prefecture of Kastoria) are presented briefly, drawing on the so far published material. After a short introduction setting out the excavation context, we examine the shapes and decoration of the red-figure vessels, followed by attributions to workshops and comments on the chronology of the archaeological material. The conclusions remark on the trade of red-figure pottery. A detailed catalogue of the vases is appended.
This article examines a special category of vases that were produced in the pottery workshops of ... more This article examines a special category of vases that were produced in the pottery workshops of North Greece, mainly Aiane and Pella, during the 2nd half of the 4th and the 1st half of the 3rd century BC. These vases were decorated with silhouette motifs, while on some examples silhouette motifs are combined with others in outline. Vases of the workshop of Aiane include mainly closed shapes (hydrias and oinochoai) and plates, while in the workshop of Pella, lekanides are by far the most common shape; other shapes include askoi, phialai, plates and jugs. Decoration is restricted to floral and geometric motifs that can be compared with similar motifs appearing on contemporary red-figure vases, mosaics and textiles, probably inspired by paintings that are now lost. Besides the presentation of the archaeological material, some well-dated contexts with vases decorated with silhouette motifs are also examined. Also, the conditions that led to the production of these vases are discussed, as well as their diffusion, and connection to similar categories of pottery from other parts of mainland Greece.
Ιn this paper is examined the handle of a bronze mirror that was found in the region of Phacus of... more Ιn this paper is examined the handle of a bronze mirror that was found in the region of Phacus of Pella, in an excavation conducted in 2003 by the honoree. The bronze handle belongs to the category of the caryatid mirrors, whose main characteristic is that the handle has the form of a female figure. From the mirror only part of the female statuette is preserved. The mirror, its total height estimated around 25-28 cm, would have a disc, usually with engraved decoration or small statues of Erotes, animals or mythical beings, and a composite base. The mirror from Pella is attributed to a provincial workshop with Sikyonian influence, and is dated around 470-460 B.C. It cannot be connected with a specific building, because it was found in an archaeological layer of the Hellenistic period, however, like most parallels of the type it could have been dedicated to a sanctuary or less probably it could have been used in a house or other public building. Caryatid mirrors are very rare in north Greece, since examples of the type, besides Pella, have only been found in Aiane and Thasos.
In this article the presence of coins from the mints of the Chalcidice within the boundaries of t... more In this article the presence of coins from the mints of the Chalcidice within the boundaries of the Macedonian kingdom is examined. Along with coin hoards, we include archaeological material from various sites to understand and interpret the existence of coins of the cities of Chalcidice, the Chalcidic League, and the Bottiaeans within the Macedonian kingdom. After the final conclusions, a group of bronze coins from the excavations of Pella is published as an appendix. Coins from mints of the Chalcidice that have been found in the Macedonian kingdom are few. So far, most coins (37) can be attributed to the Chalcidic League, another 3 to the Bottiaeans, and 4 to the Chalcidic League or the Bottiaeans. Second comes Acanthus with 16 coins, and third Potidaia with 12. Further, 7 coins can be attributed to Aphytis, 5 to Mende, 4 to Scione and 1-2 issues to Aineia, Dikaia and possibly Sermyle. Finally, Ouranopolis is represented with 3 coins. Most of these coins came to light in excavations in burial and non-burial contexts, and some also were buried in coin hoards. The earliest of these issues are dated in the first half of the 5th century BC. The number of coins rises slightly in the second half of the 5th century coins, while most of the numismatic material belongs to the first half of the 4th century BC. Finally, rather few are the coins of the second half of the 4th century BC. Most of the coins and coin hoards of the first half of the 4th century BC can probably be linked to the invasion of the army of the Chalcidic League into Macedonia. People traveling from Chalcidice to Macedonia are another source.
This article presents a small hoard of nine bronze coins that was discovered during excavations i... more This article presents a small hoard of nine bronze coins that was discovered during excavations in room 29 of the east wing of the Agora of Pella, buried below a clay floor of the Hellenistic period. It contains one bronze coin in the name of the Amphaxians, three in the name of the Macedonians Amphaxians, four in the name of the Macedonians Botteatai, and one in the name of the Macedonians. Their description is the following (see p. 205, images 1-9): no. 1 Head of Herakles r. / Club, ΑΜΦΑ-ΞΙΩΝ, all in laurel wreath nos. 2-4: Head of Apollo r. / Tripod, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ nos. 5-8: Head of Zeus r. / Winged thunderbolt, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ no. 9 Head of Apollo r. / kithara, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ Both the dating and the circulation pattern of the bronze issues of the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians have been discussed extensively; it is now generally accepted that they were minted during the reign of the two last kings, Philip V and Perseus to serve for the needs of the local economies, but their issuing continued after the battle of Pydna and the control of Macedonia by the Romans. The iconography and the mintmarks of these coins can be connected to two other groups of bronze coins that were minted after 168 BC, namely the coins of the Roman quaestors in Macedonia and the autonomous coins of three major cities of the region, Thessaloniki, Pella and Amphipolis. The hoard from Pella is a rare case, because it only contains coins minted by the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians whereas no issues of Philip V and Perseus, the Roman quaestors or the three cities are present, as in most hoards. It is also worth mentioning that the type Heracles/club of the Amphaxians found in the Pella hoard, so far has been only encountered in hoards dated after the abolishment of the monarchy in 168. For these reasons, we suggest that the hoard Pella/2011 should be dated to the years 168-148 BC, that is after the battle of Pydna and before the creation of the Roman province of Macedonia.
In this article various aspects of red-figure pottery trade from the late 6th until the late 4th ... more In this article various aspects of red-figure pottery trade from the late 6th until the late 4th century BC within the boundaries of the Macedonian kingdom and beyond its northern borders are discussed. An overview of the red-figure pottery is presented according to modern-day archaeological research and bibliography. This overview includes the examination of red-figure vase-shapes, iconography, vase-painters and workshops. Special emphasis is given to the impact and distribution of Attic red-figure pottery, which represents the bulk of the archaeological material in almost all sites under examination. Especially interesting is the appearance of red-figure vases from the same Attic workshops in the south and northern parts of the kingdom from the late 5th century BC and onwards. Besides Attic pottery, local production of red-figure vases is examined, as well as the import of red-figure vases from other pottery centers. Finally, remarks on the trade routes in antiquity are made.
In 1979, excavations in the eastern cemetery of Pella brought to light, among other finds, a smal... more In 1979, excavations in the eastern cemetery of Pella brought to light, among other finds, a small clay disc that depicts a three-headed deity. This rare object was found with several vases and figurines that allow its dating in the early Hellenistic period. In this article, after a short description of the find, and an examination of its context, special emphasis is given to the identification of the depicted deity and her most probable relation with the goddess Hekate. The clay disc possibly had a magicprotective character related with the passage of the dead to the underworld.
The excavations of the last decades in ancient Argilos have brought to light a multitude of ceram... more The excavations of the last decades in ancient Argilos have brought to light a multitude of ceramics enriching our knowledge about the trade and production of ceramics in northern Greece during antiquity. Particularly interesting is the discovery of part of a red-figure lekanis, no. C 9211, which depicts a scene of the female world. This vessel was published by Hubert Giroux and attributed to the Otchët Group. In this article, we will examine various issues related to this finding, such as the presence of this Attic workshop in northern Greece, its impact on local production and the chronology of its activities. We will also discuss the trade of Attic red-figure pottery during the 4th century B.C.
This article argues that a holistic approach to documenting and understanding the physical eviden... more This article argues that a holistic approach to documenting and understanding the physical evidence for individual cities would enhance our ability to address major questions about urbanisation, urbanism, cultural identities and economic processes. At the same time we suggest that providing more comprehensive data-sets concerning Greek cities would represent an important contribution to cross-cultural studies of urban development and urbanism, which have often overlooked relevant evidence from Classical Greece. As an example of the approach we are advocating, we offer detailed discussion of data from the Archaic and Classical city of Olynthos, in the Halkidiki. Six seasons of fieldwork here by the Olynthos Project, together with legacy data from earlier projects by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and by the Greek Archaeological Service, combine to make this one of the best-documented urban centres surviving from the Greek world. We suggest that the material from the site offers the potential to build up a detailed 'urban profile', consisting of an overview of the early development of the community as well as an in-depth picture of the organisation of the Classical settlement. Some aspects of the urban infrastructure can also be quantified, allowing a new assessment of (for example) its demography. This article offers a sample of the kinds of data available and the sorts of questions that can be addressed in constructing such a profile, based on a brief summary of the interim results of fieldwork and data analysis carried out by the Olynthos Project, with a focus on research undertaken during the , and seasons.
Until a few decades ago attic red-figure pottery of the second half of the fourth century BC was ... more Until a few decades ago attic red-figure pottery of the second half of the fourth century BC was not highly esteemed by most scholars. Although the iconographic repertoire of this period is rather limited and the quality of the painting is poorer than that of the fifth century, worth noting is the fact that red-figure vases were produced in great quantities and were exported throughout the Mediterranean, from the Black Sea to the coasts of Spain and Portugal. In this paper some late attic workshops and painters that produced red-figure pottery, such as the Otchët Group, the Painter of Agora P 17562, the Group of the Vienna Lekanis, the Painter of the Reading Lekanis, the Painter of Ferrara T.408, the Group G and the Amazon Painter, are going to be examined. Although many of the above mentioned workshops have been dated in the second quarter of the fourth century BC, new excavation data allow us to lower their dating and certainly their period of use within the third quarter of the fourth century BC and even the early Hellenistic period. Two areas of interest where late attic red-figure vases were exported in great numbers are going to be examined, Macedonia and the Black Sea area. In these areas the same attic workshops, vase-shapes and iconographic themes appear. Furthermore, the mass import of attic red-figure pottery lead to the birth of local workshops that imitated their attic prototypes to a great extent. From the find spots of red-figure pottery interesting remarks regarding trade in antiquity can be made, as well as the impact of attic pottery on local populations over a large geographical area in the transition between the Classical and the Hellenistic period.
Τωι διδασκάλῳ Τιμητικός τόμος για τον καθηγητή Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη, 2019
A black-glazed cup with interior decoration of frog from Vergina (Aegae)
In summer 2014 a black-... more A black-glazed cup with interior decoration of frog from Vergina (Aegae)
In summer 2014 a black-glazed cup with interior decoration of a frog was found in Tsakirides’ plot which is located in the center of the ancient city of Aegae, very close to the Metroon, the sanctuary of the Mother of the Gods. According to the finds, the layer where the fragment was found can be dated to the 1st century BC – 1st century AD. The cup is fragmentary, but the base and the beginning of the body is well preserved. The frog is located in the middle of the bottom of the vase and is surrounded by three grooves of rouletting. The category of cups with interior decoration is well known from the Early Hellenistic period, but not with the amphibious as an emblem. The frog is used as a motif in the so-called Knidian carinated cup, a shape that is familiar to us from the 3rd century BC, but its widespread diffusion is dated from the second half of the 2nd century BC till the 1st century AD. The majority of carinated cups is assembled in the area of Knidos, which also gives the name to the category. Carinated cups are known from a lot of areas in the Mediterranean during the Late Hellenistic period, also from Vergina, but not with a plastic frog on the interior of the vessel. Some examples with frogs are known from Amorgos, Delos, Athens and Asia Minor, but they are very limited. Although that we cannot argue that the vase from Vergina belongs to this shape, the frog reminds us these cups, but it is the only one known example in clay from the area of Macedonia. The use of the frog as a motif appears even in the Prehistoric period and is related to fertility and prosperity, but it also has apotropaic meaning. It is also connected with the worship of various gods, such as Nymphs, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus and the Mother of the Gods, the cult of the latter is well-documented in the area of Vergina.
Excavations at the public bath and the pottery workshop
of the new entrance of the archaeological... more Excavations at the public bath and the pottery workshop of the new entrance of the archaeological site of Pella from 1997 until 2013 brought to light 344 coins, most of which came from the public bath. Furthermore, two small coin hoards were found. These coins offer valuable information regarding the economy and the numismatic circulation during the Classical and Hellenistic period as well as the chronology of the buildings under study. The majority of coins, around 76%, come from royal Macedonian mints. The earliest issue is attributed to Aeropus (396-392 b.C.) and the latest to Perseus (178-168 b.C.). Most of the coins were struck in the name of Alexander III, Cassander, Antigonus Gonatas, Philip II, Amyntas III and Philip V. The find of four issues bearing the monogram PP on the reverse is especially interesting. One of these came to light in an archaeological stratum of the first half of the 3rd century b.C. strengthening the attribution of these coins to Ptolemy Keraunos (281-279 b.C.). The quantity of royal issues proves that they played the most important role Nikos Akamatia in local economy, which is to be expected, since Pella: was one of the most important cities of the Macedonian,! kingdom. Apart from royal coins, civic Macedonian issues and coins from areas outside Macedonia came to light in small quantities, of around 14 and 10% respectively] Most of the Macedonian civic issues are attributed to the mint of Pella (14) and fewer to Thessaloniki (10), Amphipolis (8), the Macedonians (2) and Bottiaia (1). These coins where mainly struck after the Roman conquest substituting the royal Macedonian issues. The majority of coins from mints outside Macedonia are dated to the 4th and 2nd centuries b.C. Only few belong to the 3 century b.C. These come mainly from Thessaly (Larissa, Pelinna, Meliboea, Pharsalus and the Thesssalian confederacy) and south Greece (Lamia, Thespiae, Histiaea, Lokris). Furthermore, coins of Lysimachus, Philetairos, the Athenian cleruchs in Delos, Dyrrachium and Rome came to light. These coins did not seem to play an important part in local economy.
Το παρόν έργο πνευματικής ιδιοκτησίας προστατεύεται από τις διατάξεις της ελληνικής νομοθεσίας (Ν... more Το παρόν έργο πνευματικής ιδιοκτησίας προστατεύεται από τις διατάξεις της ελληνικής νομοθεσίας (Ν 2121/1993 όπως έχει τροποποιηθεί και ισχύει σήμερα) και από τις διεθνείς συμβάσεις περί πνευματικής ιδιοκτησίας. Απαγορεύεται απολύτως, χωρίς γραπτή άδεια του εκδότη, η κατά οποιονδήποτε τρόπο ή οποιοδήποτε μέσο (ηλεκτρονικό, μηχανικό ή άλλο) αντιγραφή, φωτοανατύπωση, και εν γένει αναπαραγωγή, εκμίσθωση ή δανεισμός, μετάφραση, διασκευή, αναμετάδοση στο κοινό, σε οποιαδήποτε μορφή και η εν γένει εκμετάλλευση του συνόλου ή μέρους του έργου.
Πέλλης 2. Ο πολυθάλαμος τάφος της Πέλλας/The Coins in: M. Lilimbaki-Akamati (ed.), Pellis 2. The Multi-chabered Tomb at Pella, 2008
In 2005 a multi-chambered tomb was excavated at Pella, one of the largest in Greece. Although ext... more In 2005 a multi-chambered tomb was excavated at Pella, one of the largest in Greece. Although extended looting took place, excavation brought to light a great number of offerings (vases, figurines, jewellry etc). Among the finds, the coins that were discovered offer valuable Information regarding the dating of the different periods of use of the tomb from the 4th to the 2nd century BC.
The MA in the Classical Archaeology and the Ancient History of Macedonia considers the history an... more The MA in the Classical Archaeology and the Ancient History of Macedonia considers the history and the archaeology of ancient Macedonia, covering the region of Macedonia and the Macedonians from the Mycenaean period until the Roman era. The Programme is partially funded by the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation. The MA programme offers a critical and multifarious study of ancient Macedonia, from institutions, languages and cults to art and the important archaeological sites. The acquired skills that the graduates develop allow them to work in Educational Institutions and Academies concentrating on ancient Macedonia or Greece, Archaeological Departments, Research Institutes, Museums, etc. The IHU operates on a rolling admissions basis. This means that candidates apply for and are admitted to our programmes all year round. We suggest, however, that candidates apply as early as possible to ensure a quick response and place availability. Next Intake - October 2018.
For more information, please visit our website IHU School of Humanities or contact +30 2310 807 529
Τῷ διδασκάλῳ. Τιμητικός τόμος για τον Καθηγητή Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη//Honorary Volume for Emeritus Professor. I. M. Akamatis, 2019
This paper is discussing a fountain structure, known only from written sources and located within... more This paper is discussing a fountain structure, known only from written sources and located within one of the sanctuaries of ancient Thessaloniki, attempting to shed some light upon a rather obscure monument. During rescue excavations in the late 1930s, in Dioiketeriou Str., a dedicatory inscription (IG X, 2.1, 83) was recovered recording a hydreion (ὑδρῆον) in correlation with the Sanctuary of Isis and Sarapis in Thessaloniki.
Τιμητικός τόμος για τον καθηγητή Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη 5 Η Πέλλα είναι σήμερα ένας από τους σημαντικότερ... more Τιμητικός τόμος για τον καθηγητή Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη 5 Η Πέλλα είναι σήμερα ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επισκέψιμους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους της Ελλάδας που συνδυαστικά με το νεόδμητο μουσείο διαμορφώνουν ένα μοναδικό αρχαιολογικό σύνολο. Σε αυτό το έργο, που παρήχθη, η συμβολή του καθηγητή κ. Ιωάννη Ακαμάτη υπήρξε καθοριστική. Αφοσιωμένος επιστήμονας με ακούραστη διάθεση επικέντρωσε την επιστημονική του έρευνα στην ανασκαφή και τη μελέτη της Αγοράς της Πέλλας και έφερε στο φως το μεγάλο αυτό συγκρότημα που μας επέτρεψε να κατανοήσουμε το μέγεθος της αρχαίας πρωτεύουσας και το ρόλο της στον ελληνιστικό κόσμο.
Uploads
Books by Nikos Akamatis
The red figure local workshop is the first that has come to light in the heartland of the Macedonian kingdom during the 4th century b. C. and is related to the latest period of red figure vase painting in Athens, from which it is highly influenced. It produced mainly lekanides, and to a smaller degree askoi and pelikes. A single kalathos was also found. The vases were decorated with oriental heads accompanied by griffons or felines, women heads wearing sakkos, scenes inspired from the feminine world, human figures with animals, grypomachies, mantled youths and floral motifs. These iconographic subjects, with small exceptions, are inspired from attic workshops, mainly from the Vienna Lekanis Group, the Group of the Nuptial Lekanides, the Otchët Group, the Painter of Agora P17562, the Painter of the Reading Lekanis, the Painter of Ferrara T408, the G Group and others.
Our research led to the recognition of three vase painters, the Painters of Pella A, B and C. The shapes of vases they prefered, their iconographical subjects and the way they rendered human forms, animals, griffons, floral motifs and other iconographical subjects attest to the fact that these painters had common prototypes and worked in the same workshop influencing each other’s work.
Local red-figured vases can be dated to the second half of the 4th century b. C. This is deducted mainly from the chronology of attic workshops that inspired local production. Finds from deposits of Pella’s Agora indicate that these vases were used up to the second quarter of the 3rd century b. C.
In conclusion, the red-figured vases under study were probably produced in Pella as is indicated by the large number of sherds found in the Macedonian capital, the small radius of vase distribution, the characteristics of clay and glaze and the finding of all attic workshops that inspired local production in Pella. They had domestic use, since very few of them have been found in graveyards and sanctuaries and were mostly used by women. The small amount of vases that was found outside Pella indicates that these vases were rarely exported. Local red-figured vases were produced probably due to the decline of production in Attica during the third quarter of the 4th century b. C. It is interesting to note that after the middle of the 4th century b. C. attic red-figured pottery was still imported in Pella in greater numbers than local red-figured vases.
Papers by Nikos Akamatis
were produced in the workshop of Chalcidice
are examined. In addition to the eleven (11)
lekanides sherds from Olynthos and Torone
already identified by I. McPhee as products
of the workshop under examination, seven
(7) more lekanides and sherds are attributed
to the same workshop by the author. These
include: a lekanis with a black-glaze body
and a red-figure lid decorated with three
felines, two partly preserved lids depicting
busts with Oriental headdresses and busts
of griffins, three sherds depicting partly
preserved female figures - all from the
excavations of Olynthos. Finally, an intact
lekanis from the Lambropoulos Collection,
attributed to the Painter of Olynthos 5.141;
it features a body decorated with vertical
zig zag lines, and a red-figure scene
depicting two female figures and Eros. All the
mentioned lekanides are dated in the first
half of the 4th century BC.
In addition, an attempt is also made to
summarize the basic characteristics of the
lekanides of the local workshop of Chalcidice
and identify the differences from the
contemporary Attic models. In addition to the
color and the composition of both clay and
glaze, characteristic traits include the use
of red or orange wash on reserved surfaces,
bodies either black-glazed or decorated with
silhouette motifs, bands on the upper surface
of the knobs, and the absence of decorative
zones on the upper part of the lids and on
the rims, among other features. The redfigure
scenes imitate elements of well-known
Attic workshops that were quite popular in
Macedonia, such as the Otchët Group, the
Nuptial Lekanides, the Painter of Salonica
38.291, the Group of the Vienna Lekanis, and
others.
These finds lead to some interesting conclusions regarding the use and circulation of coins in sanctuaries following the economic, military and cultural growth of the Macedonian kingdom in the early Hellenistic period. Findspots within the sanctuaries can also be related to specific cult activities and numismatic materials can then be compared to previously published finds of coins from other areas of Pella (houses, public buildings and cemeteries).
trade during the fourth century BC in two neighbouring
areas, Macedonia and Aegean Thrace. Archaeological material
from major sites of the Macedonian kingdom (Pella, Aigai,
Aiane), Chalcidice (Olynthos, Akanthos, Torone) and eastern
Macedonia (Amphipolis, Argilos, Thasos) are included.
Regarding Aegean Thrace, emphasis is given to material from
important ancient coastal cities, such as Abdera, Maroneia,
Zone and Ainos, among others. It is important to note that
shortly after the middle of the fourth century BC, during
Philip II’s reign, the regions of modern-day Macedonia and
Thrace belonged to the same political entity, the Macedonian
kingdom.
An overview of the red-figure pottery is presented for each
region, according to modern-day archaeological research
and bibliography. This overview includes the examination
of red-figure vase-shapes, iconography, vase-painters and
workshops. Special emphasis is given to the impact and
distribution of Attic red-figure pottery, which represents the
bulk of the archaeological material in almost all sites under
view. Apart from Attic pottery, local production of red-figure
vases is examined, as well as the import of red-figure vases
from other pottery centres. Furthermore, remarks on the
trade routes in antiquity are made. Finally, the trade of redfigure pottery is related to historical events
pottery from the ancient region of Upper
Macedonia, which is largely to be identified
with modern day western Macedonia,
in Greece. Special emphasis is given to
unpublished material from sites of the prefecture
of Kozani, which covers the ancient
regions of Elimeia and Eordaia, and, also, to
several vases from the cemetery of Achlada,
Florina, that belonged to the ancient region
of Lyncestis. Other red-figure vessels coming
from the ancient regions of Tymphaia (modern-
day prefecture of Grevena) and Orestis
(modern-day prefecture of Kastoria) are
presented briefly, drawing on the so far published
material. After
a short introduction setting out the excavation
context, we examine the shapes and
decoration of the red-figure vessels, followed
by attributions to workshops and comments
on the chronology of the archaeological material.
The conclusions remark on the trade
of red-figure pottery. A detailed catalogue of
the vases is appended.
Pella, in an excavation conducted in 2003 by the honoree. The bronze handle belongs to the
category of the caryatid mirrors, whose main characteristic is that the handle has the form of a
female figure. From the mirror only part of the female statuette is preserved. The mirror, its total
height estimated around 25-28 cm, would have a disc, usually with engraved decoration or small
statues of Erotes, animals or mythical beings, and a composite base. The mirror from Pella is attributed to a provincial workshop with Sikyonian influence, and is dated around 470-460 B.C. It
cannot be connected with a specific building, because it was found in an archaeological layer of
the Hellenistic period, however, like most parallels of the type it could have been dedicated to a
sanctuary or less probably it could have been used in a house or other public building. Caryatid
mirrors are very rare in north Greece, since examples of the type, besides Pella, have only been
found in Aiane and Thasos.
the Chalcidic League, and the Bottiaeans within the Macedonian kingdom. After the final conclusions, a group of bronze coins from the excavations of Pella is published as an appendix. Coins from mints of the Chalcidice that have been found in the Macedonian kingdom are few. So far, most coins (37) can be attributed to the Chalcidic League, another 3 to the Bottiaeans, and 4 to the Chalcidic League or the Bottiaeans. Second comes Acanthus with 16 coins, and third Potidaia with 12. Further, 7 coins can be attributed to Aphytis, 5 to Mende, 4 to Scione and 1-2 issues to
Aineia, Dikaia and possibly Sermyle. Finally, Ouranopolis is represented with 3 coins. Most of these coins came to light in excavations in burial and non-burial contexts, and some also were buried in coin hoards. The earliest of these issues are dated in the first half of the 5th century BC.
The number of coins rises slightly in the second half of the 5th century coins, while most of the numismatic material belongs to the first half of the 4th century BC. Finally, rather few are the coins of the second half of the 4th century BC. Most of the coins and coin hoards of the first half of the 4th century BC can probably be linked to the invasion of the army of the Chalcidic League into Macedonia. People traveling from Chalcidice to Macedonia are another source.
no. 1 Head of Herakles r. / Club, ΑΜΦΑ-ΞΙΩΝ, all in laurel wreath
nos. 2-4: Head of Apollo r. / Tripod, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ
nos. 5-8: Head of Zeus r. / Winged thunderbolt, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ
no. 9 Head of Apollo r. / kithara, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ
Both the dating and the circulation pattern of the bronze issues of the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians have been discussed extensively; it is now generally accepted that they were minted during the reign of the two last kings, Philip V and Perseus to serve for the needs of the local economies, but their issuing continued after the battle of Pydna and the control of Macedonia by the Romans. The iconography and the mintmarks of these coins can be connected to two other groups of bronze coins that were minted after 168 BC, namely the coins of the Roman quaestors in Macedonia and the autonomous coins of three major cities of the region, Thessaloniki, Pella and Amphipolis. The hoard from Pella is a rare case, because it only contains coins minted by the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians whereas no issues of Philip V and Perseus, the Roman quaestors or the three cities are present, as in most hoards. It is also worth mentioning that the type Heracles/club of the
Amphaxians found in the Pella hoard, so far has been only encountered in
hoards dated after the abolishment of the monarchy in 168. For these reasons, we suggest that the hoard Pella/2011 should be dated to the years 168-148 BC, that is after the battle of Pydna and before the creation of the Roman province of Macedonia.
our knowledge about the trade and production of ceramics in northern Greece during antiquity.
Particularly interesting is the discovery of part of a red-figure lekanis, no. C 9211, which depicts a scene
of the female world. This vessel was published by Hubert Giroux and attributed to the Otchët Group.
In this article, we will examine various issues related to this finding, such as the presence of this Attic
workshop in northern Greece, its impact on local production and the chronology of its activities. We will
also discuss the trade of Attic red-figure pottery during the 4th century B.C.
The red figure local workshop is the first that has come to light in the heartland of the Macedonian kingdom during the 4th century b. C. and is related to the latest period of red figure vase painting in Athens, from which it is highly influenced. It produced mainly lekanides, and to a smaller degree askoi and pelikes. A single kalathos was also found. The vases were decorated with oriental heads accompanied by griffons or felines, women heads wearing sakkos, scenes inspired from the feminine world, human figures with animals, grypomachies, mantled youths and floral motifs. These iconographic subjects, with small exceptions, are inspired from attic workshops, mainly from the Vienna Lekanis Group, the Group of the Nuptial Lekanides, the Otchët Group, the Painter of Agora P17562, the Painter of the Reading Lekanis, the Painter of Ferrara T408, the G Group and others.
Our research led to the recognition of three vase painters, the Painters of Pella A, B and C. The shapes of vases they prefered, their iconographical subjects and the way they rendered human forms, animals, griffons, floral motifs and other iconographical subjects attest to the fact that these painters had common prototypes and worked in the same workshop influencing each other’s work.
Local red-figured vases can be dated to the second half of the 4th century b. C. This is deducted mainly from the chronology of attic workshops that inspired local production. Finds from deposits of Pella’s Agora indicate that these vases were used up to the second quarter of the 3rd century b. C.
In conclusion, the red-figured vases under study were probably produced in Pella as is indicated by the large number of sherds found in the Macedonian capital, the small radius of vase distribution, the characteristics of clay and glaze and the finding of all attic workshops that inspired local production in Pella. They had domestic use, since very few of them have been found in graveyards and sanctuaries and were mostly used by women. The small amount of vases that was found outside Pella indicates that these vases were rarely exported. Local red-figured vases were produced probably due to the decline of production in Attica during the third quarter of the 4th century b. C. It is interesting to note that after the middle of the 4th century b. C. attic red-figured pottery was still imported in Pella in greater numbers than local red-figured vases.
were produced in the workshop of Chalcidice
are examined. In addition to the eleven (11)
lekanides sherds from Olynthos and Torone
already identified by I. McPhee as products
of the workshop under examination, seven
(7) more lekanides and sherds are attributed
to the same workshop by the author. These
include: a lekanis with a black-glaze body
and a red-figure lid decorated with three
felines, two partly preserved lids depicting
busts with Oriental headdresses and busts
of griffins, three sherds depicting partly
preserved female figures - all from the
excavations of Olynthos. Finally, an intact
lekanis from the Lambropoulos Collection,
attributed to the Painter of Olynthos 5.141;
it features a body decorated with vertical
zig zag lines, and a red-figure scene
depicting two female figures and Eros. All the
mentioned lekanides are dated in the first
half of the 4th century BC.
In addition, an attempt is also made to
summarize the basic characteristics of the
lekanides of the local workshop of Chalcidice
and identify the differences from the
contemporary Attic models. In addition to the
color and the composition of both clay and
glaze, characteristic traits include the use
of red or orange wash on reserved surfaces,
bodies either black-glazed or decorated with
silhouette motifs, bands on the upper surface
of the knobs, and the absence of decorative
zones on the upper part of the lids and on
the rims, among other features. The redfigure
scenes imitate elements of well-known
Attic workshops that were quite popular in
Macedonia, such as the Otchët Group, the
Nuptial Lekanides, the Painter of Salonica
38.291, the Group of the Vienna Lekanis, and
others.
These finds lead to some interesting conclusions regarding the use and circulation of coins in sanctuaries following the economic, military and cultural growth of the Macedonian kingdom in the early Hellenistic period. Findspots within the sanctuaries can also be related to specific cult activities and numismatic materials can then be compared to previously published finds of coins from other areas of Pella (houses, public buildings and cemeteries).
trade during the fourth century BC in two neighbouring
areas, Macedonia and Aegean Thrace. Archaeological material
from major sites of the Macedonian kingdom (Pella, Aigai,
Aiane), Chalcidice (Olynthos, Akanthos, Torone) and eastern
Macedonia (Amphipolis, Argilos, Thasos) are included.
Regarding Aegean Thrace, emphasis is given to material from
important ancient coastal cities, such as Abdera, Maroneia,
Zone and Ainos, among others. It is important to note that
shortly after the middle of the fourth century BC, during
Philip II’s reign, the regions of modern-day Macedonia and
Thrace belonged to the same political entity, the Macedonian
kingdom.
An overview of the red-figure pottery is presented for each
region, according to modern-day archaeological research
and bibliography. This overview includes the examination
of red-figure vase-shapes, iconography, vase-painters and
workshops. Special emphasis is given to the impact and
distribution of Attic red-figure pottery, which represents the
bulk of the archaeological material in almost all sites under
view. Apart from Attic pottery, local production of red-figure
vases is examined, as well as the import of red-figure vases
from other pottery centres. Furthermore, remarks on the
trade routes in antiquity are made. Finally, the trade of redfigure pottery is related to historical events
pottery from the ancient region of Upper
Macedonia, which is largely to be identified
with modern day western Macedonia,
in Greece. Special emphasis is given to
unpublished material from sites of the prefecture
of Kozani, which covers the ancient
regions of Elimeia and Eordaia, and, also, to
several vases from the cemetery of Achlada,
Florina, that belonged to the ancient region
of Lyncestis. Other red-figure vessels coming
from the ancient regions of Tymphaia (modern-
day prefecture of Grevena) and Orestis
(modern-day prefecture of Kastoria) are
presented briefly, drawing on the so far published
material. After
a short introduction setting out the excavation
context, we examine the shapes and
decoration of the red-figure vessels, followed
by attributions to workshops and comments
on the chronology of the archaeological material.
The conclusions remark on the trade
of red-figure pottery. A detailed catalogue of
the vases is appended.
Pella, in an excavation conducted in 2003 by the honoree. The bronze handle belongs to the
category of the caryatid mirrors, whose main characteristic is that the handle has the form of a
female figure. From the mirror only part of the female statuette is preserved. The mirror, its total
height estimated around 25-28 cm, would have a disc, usually with engraved decoration or small
statues of Erotes, animals or mythical beings, and a composite base. The mirror from Pella is attributed to a provincial workshop with Sikyonian influence, and is dated around 470-460 B.C. It
cannot be connected with a specific building, because it was found in an archaeological layer of
the Hellenistic period, however, like most parallels of the type it could have been dedicated to a
sanctuary or less probably it could have been used in a house or other public building. Caryatid
mirrors are very rare in north Greece, since examples of the type, besides Pella, have only been
found in Aiane and Thasos.
the Chalcidic League, and the Bottiaeans within the Macedonian kingdom. After the final conclusions, a group of bronze coins from the excavations of Pella is published as an appendix. Coins from mints of the Chalcidice that have been found in the Macedonian kingdom are few. So far, most coins (37) can be attributed to the Chalcidic League, another 3 to the Bottiaeans, and 4 to the Chalcidic League or the Bottiaeans. Second comes Acanthus with 16 coins, and third Potidaia with 12. Further, 7 coins can be attributed to Aphytis, 5 to Mende, 4 to Scione and 1-2 issues to
Aineia, Dikaia and possibly Sermyle. Finally, Ouranopolis is represented with 3 coins. Most of these coins came to light in excavations in burial and non-burial contexts, and some also were buried in coin hoards. The earliest of these issues are dated in the first half of the 5th century BC.
The number of coins rises slightly in the second half of the 5th century coins, while most of the numismatic material belongs to the first half of the 4th century BC. Finally, rather few are the coins of the second half of the 4th century BC. Most of the coins and coin hoards of the first half of the 4th century BC can probably be linked to the invasion of the army of the Chalcidic League into Macedonia. People traveling from Chalcidice to Macedonia are another source.
no. 1 Head of Herakles r. / Club, ΑΜΦΑ-ΞΙΩΝ, all in laurel wreath
nos. 2-4: Head of Apollo r. / Tripod, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ
nos. 5-8: Head of Zeus r. / Winged thunderbolt, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ
no. 9 Head of Apollo r. / kithara, ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ
Both the dating and the circulation pattern of the bronze issues of the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians have been discussed extensively; it is now generally accepted that they were minted during the reign of the two last kings, Philip V and Perseus to serve for the needs of the local economies, but their issuing continued after the battle of Pydna and the control of Macedonia by the Romans. The iconography and the mintmarks of these coins can be connected to two other groups of bronze coins that were minted after 168 BC, namely the coins of the Roman quaestors in Macedonia and the autonomous coins of three major cities of the region, Thessaloniki, Pella and Amphipolis. The hoard from Pella is a rare case, because it only contains coins minted by the Amphaxians, the Botteatai and the Macedonians whereas no issues of Philip V and Perseus, the Roman quaestors or the three cities are present, as in most hoards. It is also worth mentioning that the type Heracles/club of the
Amphaxians found in the Pella hoard, so far has been only encountered in
hoards dated after the abolishment of the monarchy in 168. For these reasons, we suggest that the hoard Pella/2011 should be dated to the years 168-148 BC, that is after the battle of Pydna and before the creation of the Roman province of Macedonia.
our knowledge about the trade and production of ceramics in northern Greece during antiquity.
Particularly interesting is the discovery of part of a red-figure lekanis, no. C 9211, which depicts a scene
of the female world. This vessel was published by Hubert Giroux and attributed to the Otchët Group.
In this article, we will examine various issues related to this finding, such as the presence of this Attic
workshop in northern Greece, its impact on local production and the chronology of its activities. We will
also discuss the trade of Attic red-figure pottery during the 4th century B.C.
In this paper some late attic workshops and painters that produced red-figure pottery, such as the Otchët Group, the Painter of Agora P 17562, the Group of the Vienna Lekanis, the Painter of the Reading Lekanis, the Painter of Ferrara T.408, the Group G and the Amazon Painter, are going to be examined. Although many of the above mentioned workshops have been dated in the second quarter of the fourth century BC, new excavation data allow us to lower their dating and certainly their period of use within the third quarter of the fourth century BC and even the early Hellenistic period.
Two areas of interest where late attic red-figure vases were exported in great numbers are going to be examined, Macedonia and the Black Sea area. In these areas the same attic workshops, vase-shapes and iconographic themes appear. Furthermore, the mass import of attic red-figure pottery lead to the birth of local workshops that imitated their attic prototypes to a great extent. From the find spots of red-figure pottery interesting remarks regarding trade in antiquity can be made, as well as the impact of attic pottery on local populations over a large geographical area in the transition between the Classical and the Hellenistic period.
In summer 2014 a black-glazed cup with interior decoration of a frog was found in Tsakirides’ plot which is located in the center of the ancient city of Aegae, very close to the Metroon, the sanctuary of the Mother of the Gods. According to the finds, the layer where the fragment was found can be dated to the 1st century BC – 1st century AD.
The cup is fragmentary, but the base and the beginning of the body is well preserved. The frog is located in the middle of the bottom of the vase and is surrounded by three grooves of rouletting. The category of cups with interior decoration is well known from the Early Hellenistic period, but not with the amphibious as an emblem.
The frog is used as a motif in the so-called Knidian carinated cup, a shape that is familiar to us from the 3rd century BC, but its widespread diffusion is dated from the second half of the 2nd century BC till the 1st century AD. The majority of carinated cups is assembled in the area of Knidos, which also gives the name to the category. Carinated cups are known from a lot of areas in the Mediterranean during the Late Hellenistic period, also from Vergina, but not with a plastic frog on the interior of the vessel. Some examples with frogs are known from Amorgos, Delos, Athens and Asia Minor, but they are very limited.
Although that we cannot argue that the vase from Vergina belongs to this shape, the frog reminds us these cups, but it is the only one known example in clay from the area of Macedonia.
The use of the frog as a motif appears even in the Prehistoric period and is related to fertility and prosperity, but it also has apotropaic meaning. It is also connected with the worship of various gods, such as Nymphs, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus and the Mother of the Gods, the cult of the latter is well-documented in the area of Vergina.
of the new entrance of the archaeological site
of Pella from 1997 until 2013 brought to light 344 coins,
most of which came from the public bath. Furthermore,
two small coin hoards were found. These coins
offer valuable information regarding the economy and
the numismatic circulation during the Classical and
Hellenistic period as well as the chronology of the
buildings under study.
The majority of coins, around 76%, come from royal
Macedonian mints. The earliest issue is attributed to
Aeropus (396-392 b.C.) and the latest to Perseus
(178-168 b.C.). Most of the coins were struck in the
name of Alexander III, Cassander, Antigonus Gonatas,
Philip II, Amyntas III and Philip V. The find of four issues
bearing the monogram PP on the reverse is especially
interesting. One of these came to light in an archaeological
stratum of the first half of the 3rd century
b.C. strengthening the attribution of these coins to
Ptolemy Keraunos (281-279 b.C.). The quantity of royal
issues proves that they played the most important role
Nikos Akamatia
in local economy, which is to be expected, since Pella:
was one of the most important cities of the Macedonian,!
kingdom.
Apart from royal coins, civic Macedonian issues and
coins from areas outside Macedonia came to light in
small quantities, of around 14 and 10% respectively]
Most of the Macedonian civic issues are attributed to
the mint of Pella (14) and fewer to Thessaloniki (10),
Amphipolis (8), the Macedonians (2) and Bottiaia (1).
These coins where mainly struck after the Roman conquest
substituting the royal Macedonian issues.
The majority of coins from mints outside Macedonia
are dated to the 4th and 2nd centuries b.C. Only few
belong to the 3 century b.C. These come mainly
from Thessaly (Larissa, Pelinna, Meliboea, Pharsalus
and the Thesssalian confederacy) and south Greece
(Lamia, Thespiae, Histiaea, Lokris). Furthermore,
coins of Lysimachus, Philetairos, the Athenian
cleruchs in Delos, Dyrrachium and Rome came to
light. These coins did not seem to play an important
part in local economy.
The MA programme offers a critical and multifarious study of ancient Macedonia, from institutions, languages and cults to art and the important archaeological sites. The acquired skills that the graduates develop allow them to work in Educational Institutions and Academies concentrating on ancient Macedonia or Greece, Archaeological Departments, Research Institutes, Museums, etc.
The IHU operates on a rolling admissions basis. This means that candidates apply for and are admitted to our programmes all year round. We suggest, however, that candidates apply as early as possible to ensure a quick response and place availability. Next Intake - October 2018.
For more information, please visit our website IHU School of Humanities or contact +30 2310 807 529