CHARACTERIZATION OF EASTERN SIGILLATA C (ESC) FROM THE YK SECTOR AT KLAROS: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ARCHAEOMETRIC APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.13.1.2026.1503Keywords:
Klaros, Ionia, Roman Period, Terra Sigillata, Eastern Sigillata C, ArchaeometryAbstract
The popularity of the sanctuary of Klaros began to rise around the turn of the millennium, reaching its zenith in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Recent excavations in the YK Sector, situated near the propylon of the oracle centre, have yielded significant data regarding this period. The Roman-period fine ware assemblage recovered from the sector includes Italian Sigillata, Eastern Sigillata A, B, and C, Late Roman C (LRC), African Red Slip Ware, and Late Roman Light-Coloured Ware. This study focuses specifically on Eastern Sigillata C (ESC), a group not previously examined as a distinct assemblage at Klaros, providing new evidence for the sanctuary’s role as one of the consumption centres in Ionia. Comprising 75 diagnostic fragments, the ESC assemblage contributes significantly to the chronology of the sanctuary. The majority being dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, these finds correspond to the final major phase of activity before the sanctuary lost its original oracular function. Moreover, parallel to the transformation of the sanctuary, the ESC group represents a transitional stage between terra sigillata and Late Roman Red Slip wares. Archaeometric analyses of the relevant samples from the site proved to be a helpful method in classifying specimens that are typologically and macroscopically indistinguishable from many Eastern Sigillata B and early LRC examples. Compositional analyses also highlighted hints on the predecessor-successor relationship, particularly between ESC and LRC. Furthermore, the chemical analysis results demonstrate that the samples compositionally correlate to those of Çandarlı (Pitane) productions, confirming it as a primary source. The typological and archaeometric examination on ESC wares offers new insights on the history of the sanctuary as well as the shifting ceramic consumption patterns of the region.
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