Late Roman and Byzantine use of the Theatre Space Project study season 2003
Assessment and Analysis: Study season
Ms C. Pickersill and Dr P. Roberts report that following on from the initial study in October 2002 of the material excavated from the Roman theatre in Sparta by Professors Wilkes and Waywell in 1992 and 1993, a study was undertaken of the latest material from these contexts dating from the mid-fifth century to the early sixth century AD. These could be compared to earlier groups of pottery found on the acropolis dating from the late fourth century to mid fifth century AD as well as to comparative pottery from other sites in Sparta. Sparta at this period follows the pattern seen in the rest of the eastern Mediterranean with Phocaean Red Slip Wares becoming popular in the mid fifth century followed by the return of African Red Slip Wares at the end of the fifth century. Locally produced pottery continues to dominate the fine-ware assemblage with the continuation of certain styles and techniques such as late Roman Gouged Ware while in other areas, such as flagons, few styles from the late fourth and early fifth century continue. Of particular importance is the finding of both wheel-made and handmade cooking vessels in the same contexts. These contexts seem to belong in late antiquity and not in the SIavic period when wheel-made pottery is traditionally supposed to be introduced.
Active in 2003.