As far as Attic vases go: studying the presence of Athenian Kerameikos in ancient Thrace

Numerous Attic decorated vases, dated between the sixth and the fourth century BCE, are scattered around more than 200 sites in ancient Thrace. The recording of their distribution and their examination, through a number of variables developed within the AtticPOT project, allow to reach some interesting insights and conclusions. Studying the material features of vases, like shape, decoration, vase-painter attribution, sites’ location, etc. helps us explore more immaterial features, too, like commerce and social practices involving Greek colonists and locals. Regarding shape, the types of Attic vases found in ancient Thrace are related to their finding in specific contexts and it appears that shape, and consequently use, were among the primary criteria of preference. Moreover, decoration might also be related to shapes, whereas only a limited number of recorded vases and sherds can be attributed to specific Athenian painters. Tracing the axes and connecting the sites in ancient Thrace where Attic pottery was found allows to discuss whether we can also trace ancient routes of commerce, while the presence of Attic pottery in specific contexts enables the exploration of its contribution to the social practices of both Greek settlers and Thracians. Despite the limited information regarding contexts, there seems to be an interesting variety of practices incorporating Attic pottery, especially burial customs, that might be related to the cultural background of the examined area. The case studies presented in this chapter, discussing all the above, are based on recorded material from the AtticPOT repository