Rare Groups of Ceramic Imports in Bolgar

Abstract

Ceramic forms encountered on the Bolgar city site as singular items only are characterized in the article. One of them is the round-bottomed amphora with analogies characteristic of the Syria-Palestine region. Another vessel that is rare for Bolgar is the pythos referring to the “first Cretan” group. Both vessels are fragmented, but their overall shape can be reconstructed. A detailed description of both vessels, a wide range of analogies and possible вating are provided. Vessels similar to those described are usually included in the Southeastern Crimean group, although it is possible that they should be separated from the group as the products of more remote centers. The analysis of these groups has demonstrated the importance of investigating even expressionless unglazed pottery findings.

Keywords

• the Middle Volga river region
• Bolgar city site
• unglazed ceramics
• medieval amphorae
• pythos
• production centers
• trade ties