AtticPOT is a much promising initiative because it applies a well-tried methodological tool (the study of Attic painted pottery) to the exploration of a lesser-known yet tremendously important area at the fringes of the ancient Greek world. The originality of our project lies (a) in its objectives and (b) in its deliverables.Regarding the objectives (a), our goal is not a mere registration of material and a typological or statistical investigation of vases but rather a conscious attempt to measure cross-cultural relations within a diversely populated area and the impact this commercial activity had on the Athenian economy in return. Thanks to the established chronology of Attic pottery, we are in position to suggest a dependable timeline of Athenian commercial presence in Thrace and juxtapose its high and low points to the zenith and nadir of the political relations between the two parties. Also, we can observe the influence of these imports in the local artistic production (where applicable, e.g. Thasian pottery, metal vases) and investigate any commensurate changes in local customs and practices in terms of ritual, burial and consumption. To this end, we will undertake a quantitative study of vases, shapes and iconographic themes, an investigation of potters, painters and workshops discovered in the area under examination, and a contextual analysis of the vases, focusing on findspot and the larger site of provenance.

In addition, we will pursue an in-depth exploration of specific case-studies and take into consideration the relevant ancient sources, before we turn to the larger picture. These necessary steps will ultimately lead us to (i) an evaluation of the consumption of Attic vases within the societies located in ancient Thrace; (ii) an assessment of the production and distribution of Attic pottery within the Greek economic system; (iii) an overall discussion of how Attic pottery can act as a marker of exchange networks since its commercialization fits into established commercial currents; (iv) a reappraisal of ports of trade, centers and peripheries, as well as issues of massive, industrial production.

Turning to the deliverables (b), our project envisions the creation of a digital platform containing a database of Attic painted vases in Thrace, enriched with interactive maps showing their diffusion. Investing in the longevity of the platform, the database comes equipped with the option to add new material to the repository of Attic vases in Thrace, even after the completion of the project and even by external visitors. Maintained by the “Athena” Research Center, the platform will also offer regular updates on the project’s progress and provide a forum for registered members to exchange ideas and information.

We also intent to diffuse the results of our research through the publication of at least two articles in peer review journals and the organization of workshops. The latter will be scheduled around key milestones of our project and will function not only as a venue to present our finds and discuss them with fellowscholars but also as a focal point to communicate with Greek and non-Greek researchers on similar issues. The proceedings of the workshops will be reviewed and published based on excellence as an edited volume, thus forwarding knowledge and interconnectivity of projects both in the academic and the wider community. Lastly, attempting to reach out to the wider public, we plan on holding informative events on the progress of the AtticPOT project, suggesting ways our results can be utilized by local agents of education, culture and tourism.