Amphorae found during excavations for construction of the NAIM – BAS base in Pliska, Bulgaria

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the analysis of amphorae found during excavations for construction of the new archaeological base of NAIM – BAS in Pliska. Significant quantities of amphorae from the Günsenin I and II classes that are datable to the second half of the 10th – the beginning of the 11th c. show that in this period Pliska grew as a large consumer center of food products. The variety of amphora profiles suggests that contacts were maintained with different, either synchronously or diachronically existing production centers in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. The food supplies were distributed through a well-organized and efficient trade network.

Keywords

• Günsenin I and II amphorae
• stoppers
• amphora stamps
• dipinti
• graffiti
• Byzantine economy