A Group of SSS Branded Amphoras in the Golden Horde

Abstract

A short essay about the second largest of group imported container amphoras on the territory of the Golden Horde which was named in scientific literature «amphoras of SSS stamp group» is presented in the article. In materials from Eastern Europe this group was singled-out by I.V. Volkov. He tracked evolution of this group throughout the 12th – 13th centuries. The authors have made an overview of the opinions of different researchers about the place of their production. At the moment, at least four options have been proposed: Palestine, Cilicia (?), Thessaloniki, Western Georgia. An opinion was expressed that it was unlawful to single out this group of amphoras. All proposed hypotheses are based on indirect data and logical constructions based on different conditions. On the opinion of the authors of the article, the amphoras of the SSS stamp group came from the territory of Western Georgia during the period of flourishing of the centralized state in Georgia. An estimate of the number of finds and the geography of their distribution are given. Also most characteristic features of the vessels of this group are characterized. Considering that during the Golden Horde period, amphoras of the SSS stamp group arrived during a few decades in the middle of the third quarter of 13th century, their identification is very important for revealing of the earliest complexes on the settled settlements of the Golden Horde.

Keywords

• archaeology
• golden horde
• black sea region
• trebizond
• western georgia
• international trade
• pottery
• amphoras
• stamps
• pots