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Eretria : processional way and Panathenaic amphoras

Σκινδαλαμοί

• Θέμελης, Πέτρος Γ.

Eight Panathenaic amphoras were recently found in two deposit pits on the right side of an ancient road during excavation in the property of B. Poures (Nr. 740, E/5 ) at Eretria (fig. 1; plan 1, 30 ). Part of the same road uncovered in the field Nr. 726 (E/6) (plan 1,31) made clear that this road, being one of the main streets of the city, started from the Agora (plan 1, 15) and ended at the Gymnasium and probably the Stadium of Eretria. It may also have been used as a processional way on special occasions.Five of the amphoras belong to the group of the archon Kallimedes ( 360/ 59 B.C. ) and were the work of at least twò vase painters. Judging by thearchon’s name ( Charikleides, 363/2 B.C. ) the other three form part of an earlier group.I summarize below the evidence they offer for the study of the development of Panathenaic amphoras and for the history of Art in general:In Charikleides’group (363/2 ) the swallow - tailed wrap of Athena appears (fig. 3a). The shield is seen from the side and has an elliptical form. The shield - device ( Gorgon head ) is represented in profile (fig. 4a- b) (cf. Beazley, Devel. 98 ).In Kallimedes’ group ( 360/59 ) Athena turns definitely to the right (cf. Beazley, l.c.) (figs. 2a and 3a).The well-known statue of Eirene by Kephisodotus is reproduced on the amphoras as a symbol of the archon Kallimedes (fig. 4 a - b ). We gain in this way a precious terminus ante quem for the date of the prototype (cf. Lip- pold, HdAIIIj, 224, PI. 83, 1. Dohrn’s chronology ( 340 - 20 B.C.), Att. Plastik 216, 69 is proved incorrect ). The same symbol is preserved on a fragment from Eleusis, which also seems to belong to the Kallimedes group (cf. Jdl 52 ( 1937), 36 - 37, fig. 3).The importance of the evidence from the Eretrian Panathenaic amphoras becomes clearer when we realize that only one insignificant amphora fragment of the Kallimedes group is known from the Athenian Agora ( cf. Jdl 1942, 146). Charikleides’group is represented by some badly preserved fragmentary amphoras in Eleusis ( ABV 414, 1 - 3).It should be mentioned here that a fragment of an amphora ascribed to Polemon’s group (312/1 ) was found in Eretria about seventy years ago (cf. AJA 1896, 332 ).

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

αρχαία κεραμική, Αττική

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