Stamped Amphora Handles from Kedreai

Abstract

The subject of this article is the stamped amphora handles found during the archaeological excavations carried out in 2022 in the ancient city of Kedreai, located in the Rhodian Peraea in Karia. The stamped handles examined here are especially important as they are the first samples published from Kedreai. During the excavations in the Northern Wall, Southern Wall, Western Wall, and Sanctuary of Apollo, 27 stamped handles were unearthed. Except for three stamps belonging to amphorae produced in the Rhodian Peraea, the remaining 24 stamped handles are from the island of Rhodes. Among all finds, 11 stamps name the Rhodian eponyms, while 13 handles belong to Rhodian fabricants. Three other dies are not restoreable. The analysis of these amphora stamps provides new insights into the Hellenistic period of the Karian region and the city.

Keywords

• Kedrai
• amphora stamps
• amphora
• Rhodes
• Rhodian Peraea
• Karia

References

1. Anabolu, M. 1965. “Kedreai (Cedrae).” Belleten 114.29:255-62.
2. Ariel, D.T. 1988. “Two Rhodian Amphoras.” IEJ 38:31-35.
3. Ariel, D.T. 2014. “Appendix G, Stamped Amphora Handles from the American Excavation at Gezer.” In The Objects from Phases I and II (1964-1974) Gezer VI, edited by J.G. Seger, W.G. Dever, and S. Gitin, 279-89. Annual of the Hebrew Union College / Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology 10. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns.