Finds from Miletus XXIX. Amphorae Stamps from the Excavations at Miletus 1899–2007, Part 2

Abstract

The 278 stamped amphorae handles from the excavations at Miletus, published in Part 1 (AA 2009/1) and here, are distributed approximately equally between the production centres of Miletus and Rhodes. According to the results of neutron activation analysis, the origin of the Milesian stamps is beyond doubt. Localization of the workshop in Milesia near Ioniapolis, assumed on the basis of the abbreviated ethnikon, can ultimately only be confirmed by analyses of soil samples. The Milesian stamps begin in the 4^th century B.C. (bearing the coin emblem of Miletus, the abbreviated ethnikon and abbreviated Milesian names) and continue through the 3^rd into the 2^nd cent. B.C. The high point in Rhodian imports to Miletus lies in the 1^st half of the 2^nd cent. B.C., Periods III and IV a. b in the Rhodian stamp chronology. Except for a small proportion of stamped double handles from Kos, other production centres like Knidos, Thasos and Chios play virtually no role at all.