Roman pottery from the Great Bath of Syedra

Syedra, which emerged as a significant center in terms of urbanization and commercial activities during the Roman Period, stands out as one of the prominent ancient settlements in the region of Rough Cilicia. The systematic excavations initiated in 2019 and still ongoing shed light on the historical development of the city. Within this context, the Great Bath structure is of particular importance, reflecting both the social life and architectural understanding of the Roman Period. This study focuses on the Roman-period ceramics unearthed from the Great Bath between 2019 and 2023. A total of 360 ceramic fragments have been catalogued and classified based on their typological features. These ceramics are divided into two main groups according to their intended use: single-handled vessels and fine wares. The first group consists of "Pitchers" included among the single-handled ceramics, while the second main group comprises "Fine Wares", which reflect a more meticulous production process in terms of form, technique, and craftsmanship.. Under the category of Fine Wares, Terra Sigillata, Italian Sigillata, Sagalassos, African, Late Roman C, and Late Roman D Red Slip Wares have been examined in detail. Among the Fine Wares, the most frequently encountered group is the Late Roman D Red Slip Wares. The examples of this form identified in the Great Bath of Syedra provide valuable insights into its distribution area, as well as offering new findings regarding the formal development, production techniques, and regional variations of these vessels. The Roman Period ceramics recovered from the Great Bath at Syedra span a wide chronological range, from the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE, and comprise various forms and types. The diversity and abundance of Fine Wares indicate that the city had unimpeded access to such imported goods. This, in turn, is significant in demonstrating Syedra's economic capacity and purchasing power throughout the Roman Period. Based on the ceramics analyzed in this study, it is evident that Syedra maintained close commercial ties with the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, the Levant, Italy, as well as with the regions of Cilicia, Pamphylia, and the Aegean.