Ordinary Lydians at Home: The Lydian Trenches of the House of Bronzes and Pactolus Cliff at Sardis

This book presents the architecture and associated pottery and other artifacts found in the houses of inhabitants of the legendary city of Sardis, tracing continuous occupation outside the city walls from the Late Bronze Age to the middle of the sixth century BC. It is a remarkable synthesis of a vast quantity of everyday materials into a vivid picture of daily life in early Sardis.

Format: Mixed media product
Length: 570 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Archeological Exploration of Sardis

This eagerly anticipated publication presents the first comprehensive exploration of the architectural features and accompanying pottery and other artifacts discovered within the residences of the inhabitants of the legendary city of Sardis. Spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the mid-sixth century BC, when the Persians under Cyrus the Great captured the capital city of King Croesus, it traces a continuous occupation beyond the city walls.

This book stands as a remarkable testament to the authors' ability to synthesize a vast array of ordinary materials, painting a vivid portrait of daily life in early Sardis during the era when the Lydians were conquering vast portions of western Turkey. Through detailed descriptions and a wealth of artifacts, including small structures and a plethora of items, the authors provide a comprehensive account of the lives of ordinary Lydians, revealing their experiences in both domestic and craft contexts.

Given the Lydians' extensive cultural and economic connections throughout the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East, scholars engaged in research in Greece, Anatolia, and the Near East will find this inaugural presentation of Lydian pottery and other objects, as well as vernacular architecture, of immense interest and significance. The two-volume book delves into the chronology, history, and evidence of everyday life, presenting a comprehensive catalog of nearly 800 objects, accompanied by over 300 color plates featuring photographs and detailed drawings.

This groundbreaking publication marks a significant milestone in our understanding of ancient Sardis and its inhabitants, shedding light on the rich tapestry of their lives and contributions to the ancient world.

Dimension: 305 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674248557