Nails Recovered During the Excavations in the South Stoa of the Euromos Agora in 2021

Abstract

The article focuses on a total of 64 nails recovered during the 2021 excavations in the South Stoa of the Agora in the Ancient City of Euromos. Despite the frequent recovery of nails in the ancient city excavations, they have not been extensively studied. This study aims to examine the nails, evaluate the metal finds as products of local workshops, determine their place in metalworking and discuss their usage in ancient wooden constructions. Of the nails unearthed in the South Stoa, two are bronze while the rest are iron. The nails were categorized and analyzed in terms of quality, quantity, and functionality, and statistical data was compiled. The study concludes with a general evaluation of nails’ forms, raw materials, functions, and usage areas. Additionally, During the excavations in the South Stoa, numerous coins, gold rings, and earrings were also found, which could assist with dating. It was concluded that the nails found alongside these artifacts and examined in this study were consistent with these items in terms of structure, form, and function, thereby supporting the proposed dating when compared with similar examples.

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