Roman Commerce And Elite Markets In The Eastern Mediterranean: A Case Study Of Three 2nd-century Shipwrecks Off Knidos
Roman Commerce And Elite Markets In The Eastern Mediterranean: A Case Study Of Three 2nd-century Shipwrecks Off Knidos

Summary/Abstract: The authors present three Roman shipwrecks, Knidos H, S, and R, recently identified in deep water off the Datça peninsula in the southeast Aegean. High resolution imagery allows substantial analysis of their cargoes. Knidos H was carrying between 1,300 and 1,500 amphorae, mostly of Agora M 54 type, accompanied by few Cilician imitation of Coan amphorae (Dr 2-4) and others belonging to the crew: Dr 24 similis, Knidian, and Agora G 199. Knidos S, a smaller ship, was transporting a mixed cargo of wine amphorae, including Agora G 199, Cylindrical amphora type I (previously believed to be Aegean), and a new variant of olive oil amphora Dr 24. Knidos R is represented by a small assemblage of amphorae (Dr 24, Cretan, and possibly Mendean types). Kitchen and drinking vessels that belonged to the crew were found on all three shipwrecks. The amphora evidence indicates that the ships sank in the first half of the 2nd century A.D. These discoveries illuminate Roman trade networks in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean region, particularly between Cilicia Pedias and one or more unknown Aegean emporia at the political and economic height of the empire.

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