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Corinth, The Corinthian Gulf and Western Greece During the Eighth Century BC
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 September 2013
Abstract
The nature of 8th century Corinthian contact with sites in Phokis, Ithaka and Epirus is discussed, and archaeological evidence from these areas re-examined. It is suggested that early exchange activity is more complex than has hitherto been recognised, and should be regarded as independent of subsequent colonisation. A change in the pattern of contacts is distinguished from c. 725, and it is argued that Corinthian western trade was redirected in the wake of colonisation. Possible motivation for contact is assessed, and it is suggested that metal, especially copper, may have been the main commodity exchanged. The nature and mechanisms of early exchange are discussed, and their implications for Corinthian state formation outlined. Evidence for Corinthian contacts elsewhere in the gulf region is assessed with particular reference to Achaia.
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References
Abbreviations:
I wish to thank Karim Arafat, Peter Callaghan, Paul Cartledge, Alan Johnston and Anthony Snodgrass for much help and advice at various stages in the preparation of this article. I also thank Prof. Martin Robertson for discussion of material from Ithaka, and Mr Charles K. Williams II, director of the Corinth excavations, who has done much to encourage my interest in matters Corinthian.
Abbreviations:
Achaia: ‘I.'H. Δεϰουλάκου. ‘Κεραμεική 8ου ϰαί 7ου. αί π.χ. ἀπό τάφους της ‘Αχαϊας ϰαί της Αἰτωλίας.’ Ann. 60 (ii) (1982) 219–235.
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22 Ibid. 4.
23 Ibid. 5.
24 E.g. T 113 2356 (necklace of various materials including steatite and faience), T129 2297 (gold cones), T175 5691 (crystal), T48 2332 (necklace of various materials).
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60 Achaia 235. GGP 228f., 232.
61 E.g. Pharai I 402 Plate II, 403 Plate 12.
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68 Pharai: Pharai I 404 Fig. 16 B3. Aigion: Achaia 230.
69 The Troumbe krateriskos and stand is loosely paralleled at Aetos (Ithaka I Plate 25 no. 268), although the Aetos stand is shorter and not pierced, and both the krateriskos handles and decoration differ. Tall kantharoi from Pharai have various parallels at Aetos: the following examples are illustrated in Ithaka I Plate 22 Fig. 40, Plate 24 & Pharai I 402–407. A2=Aetos 360; B4, A7, B5 & Γ 3= Aetos 352–354; Π533=Aetos 358; Γ1, Γ4=Aetos 322, 327; B3= Aetos 384.
70 Pharai I 407–412.
71 Ibid. 411–412. ‘Τα ὑστερογεωμετριϰὰ ἀγγεῖα τῆς Ἀχαῑας ἔχει δημιουργήσει τεϰτονιϰὴ ἀντίληψις διάφορος τω̄ν πρωτοϰορινϑιαϰω̄ν.’ (411).
72 From Troumbe: Pharai II 199 Fig. 93γ no. 7 (Π482), cf.200–1. GGP 232.
73 Pharai II 197 Fig. 92a Π527. GGP 231, 98–111 for discussion of late 8th century Corinthian styles.
74 Pharai I 402 Fig. 11 (A5), 408–411 for general discussion of form and decoration. GGP 232.
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122 Corinth 88.
123 AG 126–129.
124 GG 167.
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