The Commercial Glass Containers of Tralleis Antique City: Flagon

Abstract

Remains of the ancient city of Tralleis, which was within the borders of the Caria Region in the ancient period, are located in the Topyatağı area of Aydın province. In the researches, detailed data were obtained on the city's gymnasium complex, residential areas, shops, necropolis and other structures. In the 2nd century AD, we see that different and new forms of vessels were produced using the mould blowing technique, while the vessels with angular lines produced during this period came to the fore with their functionality rather than decorative characteristics. Angular shaped glass vessels (flagon) were preferred for the transportation of traded liquids throughout the Roman Empire as they were more functional due to the ease of packaging in the trade of liquid substances compared to glass vessels with cylindrical bodies. This study aims to introduce and evaluate the flagon pieces unearthed in Tralleis excavations, to share the first scientific data on the subject and to contribute to the regional archaeology. These glass vessels called flagons were evaluated typologically and chronologically in the light of parallel materials with the excavation data. Samples included in the study were unearthed during the excavations carried out in the ancient city of Tralleis, especially in areas with gymnasium and arsenal between 1999 and 2008. These materials, which are seen to have been produced by the blow moulding technique, consist of profiled parts such as the rim parts, the rim and the part where the handle is protected together, the handle parts, the body parts and the base parts. It is concluded that the Tralleis flagon samples, which were handled typologically and chronologically in the light of the excavation data, originated from the 1-4th centuries AD, when the most prosperous periods of the Roman Empire were experienced. Before the flagons which are the main subject of the study are evaluated, information about the short history of glass, the location and history of the ancient city of Tralleis, Tralleis glasses, glass workshops in Tralleis and the origin, function, form development and propagation areas of the vessels produced as flagon will be included.