Wave-Line pottery from the late iron age levels of Kinet Hoyuk

Abstract

East Greek originated Wave-Line pottery is generally dated between the eighth and fifth centuries B.C., and was recovered in large amounts from the Kinet Hoyuk Excavations. Since this group of pottery has a wide distribution in Eastern Greek sites and throughout their overseas colonies, it provides important clues about the colonization movements and the trade activities of the Archaic period. The Wave-Line pottery of Kinet Hoyuk, which was recovered from the Late Iron Age (seventh-fourth centuries B.C.) levels and dated between the late seventh and sixth centuries B.C., was evaluated in order to understand the character of the site. Besides classification and dating of the Wave-Line group, a selection of the Greek and Aegean imported pottery was also examined. However, any conclusive result, which might give evidence that the site was an Ionian colony, could not be obtained. As geomorphological research has indicated, Kinet Hoyuk had two natural harbors in ancient times which made the site an active trade center beginning from the Early Bronze Age. It was concluded that, during the Late Iron Age, the site was still active and serving as a trade post like the other trade centers in the eastern Medterranean, such as Al Mina and Tell Sukas.