Some observations on the Alabastron of Stratonikeia-Akdağ

Abstract

A grave which consisted of Hellenistic and Roman material was found in the excavations of the Muğla Museum in the Stratonikeia-Akdağ Necropolis area in 1999. A glass alabastron dated to the Hellenistic times was found with the grave material. The aim in this study is to introduce the rare sample of these glass alabastra in Anatolia and to contribute to the Hellenistic typological and chronological studies. Core formed vessels was numerous and widespread in the Mediterranean area from the third millenium B.C. The most common types were the alabastra, oinokhoes, unguentaria, amphoriskoi and jugs. The alabastra usually translucent dark or cobalt blue glass and the decoration consists of opaque orange, yellow, white or turquise trails from the sixth century BCE to the Hellenistic times. The alabastron of Stratonikeia-Akdağ is well preseved of dark blue glass and has yellow trails on the body. It has broad horizontal rim disk, short cylindrical neck, fusifom body and convex pointed bottom. It must be dated to the middle of the second century BCE.