Baetica Amphorae from Elaiussa Sebaste

Abstract

Elaiussa Sebaste, which is located in Cilicia Tracheia, within the borders of Mersin (Turkey), has been a part of the vivid commercial activities in the Mediterranean since the Hellenistic Period up to the 7th century AD due to its geographic setting and natural seaports. The commercial activities of the city extended to various regions from Syria to Spain after the increase of its population. Wine and olive oil production flourished in the Roman period. Owing to the excavations in the city, especially on the island where the seaports take place, many amphorae were found which provide evidence for these commercial relations. The amphorae from several production centres such as Spain, Italy, Aegean islands and Cyprus which were found in the A3 terrace of the southern port show the dimensions of the commercial network. In this study, we investigated the commerce relations between Elaiussa Sebaste and Spain in the Roman Period by taking Spain-origined amphora samples of three different types in consideration.