A Group of Knidian Amphorae from Xanthos

Abstract

Xanthos is located within the borders of Kınık district of Kaş county of Antalya Province, right on the shore of the Eşen River, which forms the provincial border between Antalya and Muğla. The subject of the study is a group of Knidos Amphorae found in archaeological studies in Xanthos. In the study, in which amphorae were evaluated as the main material, a total of 192 pieces were examined and subjected to typological and analogical evaluation. The inclusion of Proto-Knidian amphorae, which are rarely encountered as finds, and the Small Knidian Amphora samples, which have just been brought to the literature, can be considered as a new find area for amphora studies. Of the 192 Knidian amphorae, whose form can be traced, within a wide historical scale from the IVth century BC to the IIIrd century AD, only a group that best represents the form was included in the evaluation. Because in the typology and analogy, six different Knidian amphora types belonging to the Proto-Knidian, Zenon Group, Small Knidian, Canonical Knidian, Late Knidian Type I, and Type II classifications were identified. In this context, our study, aims to contribute to the historical process by presenting new data on the classification, dating, commercial communication, and interaction of Xanthos, which are evaluated according to both typology and production characteristics. In addition, it is thought that the evaluations made with the material cultural remains will contribute to the commercial and political connections both in the region and in Xanthos.

Keywords

• lycia
• xanthos
• hellenistic period
• roman period
• knidian amphorae
• trade relations