Поволжская археология (Dec 2016)
Spanish Ceramics in the Medieval Bolgar
Abstract
The article addresses a series of container vessels (amphorae and pithoi) found during the recent digs on Bolgar, attributed as Spanish production. All finds come from layers and structures of 1330–1360s. Three groups can be distinguished among the Spanish imports, different in terms of their technological and morphological features. Two of them belong to Barcelona production (and possibly from Paterna in Valencia environs). The third group includes sherds of amphorae, probably from Andalusia (Seville?). Spanish amphorae and pithoi could be used to import such exotic products as olive oil or grape wine (?) to Eastern Europe. The examined finds demonstrate Bolgar’s far reaching trade relations in the middle of 14th century.
