The space between: Ceramic production and exchange in Roman-Parthian Period Oğlanqala, Azerbaijan

Roman-Parthian period pottery from the site of Oğlanqala, Azerbaijan was analyzed using thin section petrography and surface treatment analysis to investigate manufacturing technology and origin of production. Results show that approximately half of the ceramics from this period were not produced locally, but were likely imported from the site of Artashat, the capital of the Artaxiad dynasty, a Roman vassal kingdom. The imported material was only made in a narrow range of red slipped bowls and plates, whereas the local pottery production included a greater variety of vessel forms and styles. Moreover, local ceramics were more common in domestic space, while most of the imported forms were found in public contexts. These results suggest that the inhabitants of Oğlanqala maintained close relations with their Roman-influenced neighbors, but were selective about what material was imported and how it was used.