Abstract

Between the second century BC and the third century AD, the Greek city of Sikyon was home to a ceramics industry that specialised in the production of a range of coarse ware ceramics, especially transport amphoras. The rise of this industry appears to coincide with the Roman conquest of the region during the middle of the second century BC, a time when Sikyon was granted leases to Corinthian lands. Growing out of the Sikyon Survey Project, this study employs a multifaceted approach, integrating ancient history, archaeology and compositional analysis of clays and ceramics to explore the Sikyonian ceramics industry. Oil, wine and perfume production are considered. A key finding of this work is the presentation of a clear case for significant economic growth occurring after the Roman conquest of the Sikyon region.