Roman amphorae from Cyprus : integrating trade and exchange in the Mediterranean

• Main Author: Kaldeli, Anthi
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2008
• Subjects: 930.1
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.498907

This research focuses on the study of amphorae from Cyprus in order to reconstruct aspects of trade and the Roman economy in the eastern Mediterranean region, from the 2nd c. BC to the 7th c. AD. The amphorae, as the primary containers used in commercial activities, enable an insight into trading patterns and socio-economic processes. Trade was fundamental to the Roman empire for the accomplishment of the political strategy of economic exploitation of its territories. However, it is only fairly recently that research focused on the study of amphorae for the reconstruction of trade and the examination of the economy. Still, the bias towards the western part of the empire resulted in the obscurity of the eastern exchange networks, and the lack of sufficient knowledge concerning the broader mechanisms underlying trade. Despite the growing work currently undertaken in the eastern Mediterranean, trading activities in the eastern part of the empire remain largely unknown. Thus, by analysing data from a number of sites on this strategic island and combining them with existing evidence, the aim is to provide with this thesis an original contribution to the understanding of the complex economic activities of the island and the eastern Mediterranean region, and between the two parts of the Mediterranean. The main concern is the development and application of a solid theoretical and methodological framework for the investigation of production, trade and exchange, and consumption, as well as the associated social and ideological implications, and the diachronic changes.