Studi di provenienza su anfore da trasporto da poleis greche e centri indigeni della Sicilia orientale (VI-II sec. a.C.): un aggiornamento

Abstract

This work is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the University of Vienna and some research
and conservation entities in eastern Sicily. The contribution focuses on the study of a selection of 77 transport amphorae
found in the Greek colonies of Catania and Monte San Mauro, as well as in the indigenous sites of Licodia Eubea,
Terravecchia di Grammichele, Monte Iudica, and Contrada Mendolito in Adrano. The materials were retrieved from
necropolises, urban contexts, and perhaps a cultic destination area, dating from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period
with an emphasis on the period between the late 6th and late 5th century BC. All fragments were examined using the
standardized methods of the FACEM database.
This research revisits the theme of identifying the origin of transport containers, particularly focusing on western Greek
amphorae. The attribution of a significant group of amphorae to certain production centers or areas offers multiple
perspectives for a better understanding of commercial interaction, in the Archaic to Classical period, between Greek
apoikai and some indigenous settlements. Of particular importance is the identification of three macro-groups of ceramic
fabrics of potentially regional production, although in all the sites examined, imported extra-insular amphorae
significantly predominate.

Keywords: eastern Sicily, province of Catania, transport amphorae (6th-3rd century BCE), provenance studies, economic
relations.