On the Origin of Coarse Wares of Troia VII

Abstract

Following the warlike destruction of the town, the VIIb phase in Troia is mainly characterized by a change of ceramics. The new vessels are hand-made and as such, clearly different from the well-established Troian wheel-manufactured ceramic traditions. These so-called Knobbed and “Barbarian” wares were considered by most researchers as an indication of the arrival of a new ethnic group at Troia. The origin of this ceramic tradition was sought in southeastern Europe where similar pottery is abundant. Nevertheless, due to the relatively large amount at Troia, it has always been assumed that this pottery was locally produced. This chapter combines two approaches: archaeological (functional analysis of vessels within their contexts) and geochemical (trace element and isotope analysis), in an attempt to identify the origin and function of the pottery in Troia. Preliminary results show that at least part of the pottery was indeed imported, although it is not yet possible to narrow down the region of origin. Future geochemical studies may well achieve this aim.