The Dark Age Pottery of Sparta

Abstract

Pottery from Sparta and Amyclae dating to the tenth and ninth centuries BC is discussed, the label ‘Dark Age’ rather than ‘Protogeometric’ being used because it belongs to a western Greek Koine which differs slightly from pottery traditionally considered protogeometric. All diagnostic pieces from the major collections are considered, and those important for providing evidence on shape or decoration are catalogued. Clay and shapes are described, together with decoration.