Location: "the Soli workshop [was] near the sea, close to the ancient harbour of the city" (Autret 2022: 160).
Period of activity: Based on the morphological features of the examples studied, the LRA 1 production at Soli-Pompeiopolis began around the late 4th or early 5th c. CE, and continued up to the early 7th c. CE.
Typology: Production started with LRA1 Type A (see Soli KS No 14) and continue with the LRA1 Type B amphoras (according to Piéri’s 2005 typology). Along with commercial containers, the workshop produced other wares, such as roof tiles or basins with a Y-shaped rim in section. Amphora stands were also manufactured, which is similar to the production of both amphora and stand at Elaiussa Sebaste, situated about 45 km southwest along the shore.
Number of kilns: Uncertain, but perhaps 2. Empereur and Picon write that they observed 'double installation' at the site during their survey, but then only describe a single kiln (1986: 241). Excavations in the 21st century revealed no intact kiln architecture.
Description of facilities: Earlier construction work destroyed any kiln structures, but excavations revealed fragments of kiln lining as well as many vitrified amphora wasters, testifying that a workshop did exist at Soli.
Local fabric: The entire assemblage exhibits a relatively fine fabric with color ranging from a yellowish beige (5Y 7/3-8/3) to a somewhat orange-beige tint (10YR 6/4). All samples exhibit sparse, very fine fragment of silvery micas, very fine brown speck inclusions, as well as small lime holes. Some sherds also display grayish-white inclusions.
LRA1s that match the macroscopic fabric characteristics of Soli have been identified in Cyprus, Cilicia, Yassi Ada, Egypt, Crete, Crimea, Moesia (?), Thrace, and Dalmatia (Autret 2022: 166-168).
A note from the excavator, Caroline Autret: I should specify that so far only a short study of the Soli kiln site has been done, so the results presented here are preliminary. There are not yet any drawings due to lack of time. Research should be continued in order to identify the locally manufactured typology. It would also be very helpful for the identification of local ceramics to conduct analyses of the clay composition, and if possible to compare them with other LRA 1 manufactured along the shore of Cilicia.