CERAMIC MORTARIA IMPORTS FROM NORT-WESTERN SYRIA TO NEA PAPHOS (CYPRUS): AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MIDDLE AND LATE ROMAN ECONOMIC REGIONAL BOND

This paper examines the import of ceramic mortaria from north‑western Syria to Nea Paphos during the Middle and Late Roman periods. It analyses archaeological data to shed light on this trade’s economic and cultural dynamics. Several fragments of ceramic mortaria, which are shallow grinding bowls, have come to light during excavations in Nea Paphos, an important administrative and commercial centre in south‑western Cyprus. By studying the pottery assemblages unearthed during the Paphos Agora Project excavations, this paper aims to provide insight into the nature and significance of the imports of this category of vessels. Drawing on archaeological evidence that highlights the role of mortaria in facilitating economic linkage and cultural exchange between the two regions, this paper proposes a new understanding of the extent of the circulation of mortaria to Nea Paphos from the Ras el Basit, a centre in north‑western Syria, one of the leading actor in the Eastern Mediterranean mortaria market during the Middle and Late Roman periods.