Ceramicus Redivivus: The Early Iron Age Potters' Field in the Area of the Classical Athenian Agora

by John K. Papadopoulos

Overview

This volume presents selected material associated with potters' workshops and pottery production from some 14 Early Iron Age contexts northwest of the Athenian Acropolis that range in date from the Protogeometric through Archaic periods. Located in the area that was to become the Agora of Classical Athens, these deposits establish that the place was used for industrial activity until it was formally transformed into the civic and commercial center of the city in the early 5th century B.C. The Early Iron Age potters' debris published in this volume sheds light on many aspects of pottery production, in prehistory as well as in the Classical and later periods. The material includes test-pieces, wasters and other production discards. There is also a reassessment of the evidence associated with the kiln underlying the later Tholos.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876615317
Publisher:	American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Publication date:	06/01/2003
Series:	Hesperia Supplement , #31
Edition description:	Volume XXXI
Pages:	383
Product dimensions:	8.46(w) x 10.98(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	17 Years

About the Author

John K. Papadopoulos is a Professor in the Department of Classics and the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA.

Editorial Reviews

The formal purpose of this work is to present the evidence for early pottery manufacture in the area of the Classical Athenian Agora. Although the purpose of the volume is thus rather narrow, in fact the book looks broadly at the technology of pottery production; it also contains an important synthesis of recent discoveries and studies that have reshaped understanding of the citys development. . . Papadopoulos broadens his discussion to encompass the topography of early Athens in general. This is a very full and well-documented discussion of the controversy concerning the question of an earlier agora, the main residential areas, the use of the Acropolis in Athens early history, and when the area of the Classical Agora actually began to be developed as such.

The production staff at Hesperia have much to be proud of with this volume. The figures, which include both line drawings and photographs, are of exceptionally high quality; the layout of text and illustrations is pleasing and easy to follow; generous gutter margins make annotations easy for those so inclined.

Ceramicus Redidivus is an important work of scholarship that deserves a wide audience among those interested in Athenian pottery production and topography.'

Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2005 - Patrick M Thomas