At the ancient pottery workshops in Samothrace

The name of the area is not accidental as at this point in northern Samothrace two large workshops for the production of clay amphorae have come to light. Some of the parts of the workshops related to the production line can be seen. Apart from the kilns the most important find is the depository where the defective or broken vessels were discarded. Thus it provided a safe dating for the use of the workshop and the products since amphora handles with the characteristic seals were found there.

The seals are essentially the emblems and are the source for all the workshop information. They mention the name of the workshop, the potter and the name of the annual master. Consequently, they can give useful information about the year of manufacture, but also about the places of export of the wine contained in the amphorae. The workshops date back to the Hellenistic era, 4th-3rd century BC. and were used until the imperial years.