The Ceramics Industry of Roman Sikyon: A Technological Study.

Between the second century BC and the third century AD, the Greek city of Sikyon was home to a ceramics industry that specialized in the production of a range of coarseware 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