Stages of Use of the Installations in Perrhe in Light of Ceramic Finds: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

The ceramics which are the subject of this study were unearthed in the installations located on the rocky area on the south of the ancient city of Perrhe. The rocky area in subject was mainly used as the necropolis of the city but usage for stone quarrying and production installations is also attested. The installations were hewn to rock following the topography of the area. Part of the installations were unearthed during the excavations carried out by the Museum between 2001 and 2009. The excavations which resumed in 2020 were carried out in the necropolis as well as in the installations and unveiled numerous ceramics. The earliest examples of the ceramics including various forms such as plates, bowls, jugs, mugs, pots, and amphorae belong to the Eastern Sigillata A and B groups dated between the 1^st century BC and the 1^st century AD. These are followed by Brittle Ware dated to the 3^rd-7^th centuries AD and North Syrian Amphorae of the 5^th-7^th centuries AD. The Eastern Sigillata A and B group finds are scarce and do not provide adequate data for the first stage of use. However, numerous Brittle Ware dated to the 3^rd -7^th centuries AD suggest that the installations were in use from the 3^rd century on. The North Syrian Amphorae dated to the 5^th-7^th centuries AD testify extensive use of the installations during this period which was interrupted by the Arab Invasions in the 7^th century AD. The available ceramics not only provide information about the production stages of the installations but also indicate that the city had commercial relations with Cilicia, Syria, and the Eastern Mediterranean.