Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
New Approaches to Ancient Floor Mosaics, Dublin, İrlanda, 12 - 13 Aralık 2025, (Yayınlanmadı)
Recent scientific and rescue excavations conducted in various sectors of Sinope have begun to uncover pebble mosaic floors that appear to be contemporary with one another. Technically, these mosaics are distinguished by the vertical placement of pebbles, known as the “hedgehog technique.” Another notable feature is the bedding mortar, which displays a dense reddish hue reminiscent of fired terracotta. Predominantly figural in character, these mosaic floors are framed by borders decorated with wave patterns and palmette motifs. Based on the stylistic features of the palmettes, the mosaics can be dated to the late 5th century BCE, and they exhibit clear parallels with the mosaics of Olynthus.
It is generally accepted that the earliest examples of mosaic art emerged at Gordion between the 8th and 5th centuries BCE and subsequently developed more fully at Olynthus. However, the newly discovered examples from Sinope necessitate a reconsideration of this established chronology and invite us to re-examine the pathways through which mosaic art spread westward from Anatolia. These finds raise important questions regarding whether Sinope may have played a role as an intermediary center in the westward transmission of mosaic techniques and artistic traditions.
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, on the basis of archaeological and stylistic evidence, the potential role of Sinop in this process of artistic transfer and to assess its significance as a possible conduit between Anatolia and the Greek world in the Classical period.