Sinopean Amphorae From the Balatlar Church Excavations: A Comparative Archaeometric Study

Abstract

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study presents a comparative archaeometric assessment of Sinopean amphorae recovered from the Balatlar Church excavations in Sinop, with one Heracleia Pontica amphora included as a comparative sample. The selected samples were examined by thin‐section petrography and polarized energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (PED‐XRF) in order to evaluate their petrographic‐textural and geochemical characteristics. The results indicate a broadly shared production background characterized by volcanic and pyroxene‐bearing fabric components while also suggesting internal variability in texture and composition across different chronological phases. Within the limits of the present dataset, these observations provide a first comparative archaeometric framework for discussing production variability in Sinopean amphorae from a long‐lived urban context. Although the present results should be regarded as preliminary, they offer an important basis for future studies on raw‐material procurement, production technology and distribution patterns in the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean. Further refinement of these interpretations will require geological investigation of local raw materials and additional analytical comparison.