A Mid-6th-Century b.c.e. Deposit from Gordion in Central Anatolia: Evidence for Feasting and the Persian Destruction

A mid-6th-century b.c.e. deposit from Gordion, Central Anatolia, provides unprecedented evidence of life just before the Achaemenid Persian attack on the city around 540 b.c.e. The deposit, formed during cleanup efforts following the destruction, offers a chronologically specific snapshot of locally produced pottery and Greek imports, revealing insights into feasting practices and cultural influences. Traditional Phrygian black-polished ware was primarily used for drinking, while Lydian influence is evident in burnished gray stemmed vessels, though their use differed from that in Sardis. The deposit also includes a variety of bowls, large jars, and jugs, along with a puzzling terracotta object possibly linked to household cult practices. This study enhances our understanding of Gordion's inhabitants' behaviors and concerns during this pivotal period.

Dusinberre, E. R. M., Lynch, K. M., & Voigt, M. M. (2019). A Mid-6th-Century b.c.e. Deposit from Gordion in Central Anatolia: Evidence for Feasting and the Persian Destruction. Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 382, 143–209. https://doi.org/10.1086/705705