75-90

Pella agora, 1989

• Ακαμάτης, Ιωάννης Μιχ.

This paper presents the results of the archaeological investigations in the Agora ofPella during the season of 1989. The main architectural features of the complex are discussed and the archaeological conclusions from the north, south and west stoas are stated, followed by the presentation of the investigations in a building at the southwestern corner of the Agora. Finally, a brief analysis of the commercial relations of the city of Pella with the outside world is made by examining the imports and exports of pottery containers. New data corroborate the hypothesis made earlier that the northern stoa had a more formal character than the other sides, as has been suggested by the discovery of yet another semicircular structure, possibly to be identified with an assembly hall. This conclusion has been further supported by the discovery of monuments along the stylobate of the north stoa, among which of special interest is an over life-sized marble eagle, as well as a large trophy monument found nearby. Progress of excavation work in the north-western area of the Agora brought tolight a series of perfume shops. Continuation of the investigations in the south stoa uncovered workshops selling various liquid products, as concluded from the objects in the destruction debris, among which the containers form by far the largest group offinds. New excavation data from the building at the south-western corner of the Agoracomplex support its association with a public archive, as suggested by the discovery of clay sealings for documents, sealing and writing implements. The importance of this building has been augmented by the discovery of two marble herms, one of the type of Hermes Propylaios. Finally, the paper deals with the commercial contacts of ancient Pella with various parts of the ancient world. Emphasis is placed on the production and export of local wine, and its products are traced in other parts of Macedonia, Thrace, the Black Seaarea, Asia Minor, the Greek Mainland and Northern Africa. The number of stamped amphora handles found in the Agora now exceed 1000.Only one has been recognised to have come from Sinope. 15% of the stamps belong to amphoras from Cos, 4,17% to amphoras from Corinth, 4,37% to those from Italy,12,52% from Knidos, 23% from Thasos, 1,98% to a group of amphoras stamped with wheel shaped stamps. The largest group comes from Rhodes, and forms 32,8% of the whole. A large number belong to the Parmeniskos Group. It constitutes of 20% of the stamped handles found in the Agora area. It is suggested that the latter group comes from Pella or its area and forms part of the local production.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

Αγορά, Πέλλα, Μακεδονία, συνέδρια

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