Roman pottery from waterline in Patara

This thesis presents a detailed analysis of the Eastern Sigillata A (DSA) group ceramics uncovered during the Waterways Project excavations in the ancient city of Patara. Conducted during the 2009 and 2010 archaeological seasons, these findings highlight the region of Lycia as a significant center of trade and cultural interaction during the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods. The study focuses on the typological classification, tecnical characteristics, and dating of the ceramics according to Hayes Form types. Additionally, inscriptions and decorative motifs on the ceramics provide valuable insights into the linguistic and ethnological characteristics of the region. Notably, the decorations and inscriptions on the DSA ceramics reveal information about the daily lives, trade relations, and cultural exchanges of ancient peoples. These inscriptions and decorations indicate that the ceramics served not only practical purposes but also social and religious expressions. Features such as the Isis Crown motif and palmette prints on the tondos highlight the religious and cultural diversity of the period. The raw materials, firing techniques, and glazing characteristics of the ceramics shed light on the evolution of ceramic production techniques and their commercial distribution in the region. These ceramics mark the transition from the Hellenistic to the Roman Period in Lycia, particularly in terms of trade routes and cultural interactions. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive examination of the archaeological, historical, and cultural contexts of DSA ceramics in Patara, allowing for a reevaluation of Lycia's role within the broader Mediterranean world. The study details the region's connections to the ancient world and the socio-economic impacts of these connections, making significant contributions to the literature on Mediterranean archaeology