In Ancient Times the Abailability of Clay Around the Agora

In this study, petrogrpaphic, geochemical and mineralogical analyses of three terra sigillatas and six red slips pieces which were obtained from archeological excavations in Agora (Smyrna). Clay deposit which is suitable for ceramic production in this region determined and analyzed as mineralogical and chemical. Grain size of Agora ceramics was determined and representative ceramics were prepared. These ceramics fired at 800, 850 and 900 oC, and studied petrographically.According to petrogaphical studies of terra sigillatas are rich in clay matrix and have quartz and granitic rock fragments as non?plastic material. Even the same matrix occurred in red slip, concentration of mica was increased.According to geochemistry, terra sigillatas are separated in two and red slips are separated in three groups. Mineralogical analyses supported these results. Two samples among the red slip samples have dominantly kaolinitic. After firing of Agora clay, mullit formation can be observed. Representative ceramic that is made up of clay samples taken from south of Agora has enriched of carbonate. According to chemical analyses these ceramics have lower values of SiO2 amount in respect of Agora ceramics. However SiO2 amount will be increased when the SiO2 enriched non plastic grains added.As a result of this study, probable clay deposit in and around of İzmir city is evaluated in terms of mineralogical and chemical contents. Clay which is located south part of Agora, is probable to use production of ceramics. However, it is necessary to study on more ceramic samples from this excavation and has also to examine firing places in this area.