General Information

Anatolian Gray Ware (AGW) is a type of wheel-made pottery characterized by a fine fabric fired in a reducing atmosphere to a uniform gray color and by the use of burnishing. At Troy, the development of AGW is best charted through Pavúk’s Ceramic Phases for Troy VI (Pavúk 2014). AGW first appears in Troy VI during Ceramic Phase 1, MH III (Troy VIa, ca. 1750 BCE in the Aegean high chronology). Here, parallels to Aegean shapes are noteworthy (e.g. the Lianokladi goblet, Pteleon goblet, and semiglobular cup shapes). These similarities led previous scholars, notably Blegen (Blegen 1953), to classify it as “Gray Minyan Ware.” Subsequent research has led to a revision of terminology, with Gray Minyan Ware replaced by “Anatolian Gray Ware.” This term better reflects the ware’s independent development and circulation within Anatolia. For instance, inland sites during Ceramic Phase 1 notably show an independent tradition of AGW devoid of Aegean influence. Bead Rim Bowls constitute a local Anatolian shape at this time.

During Ceramic Phase 2 of Troy VI (Troy VIb-c, corresponding to the onset of LH I or the 17^th c. BCE), the Aegean influence at Troy and along the coast ceases. AGW at Troy in Ceramic Phase 2 shows a development of inland local Anatolian shapes.

In Ceramic Phase 3, two varieties of AGW exist. AGW-I is characterized by a micaceous clay, whereas AGW-II lacks mica. AGW-I represents the earlier type, which is gradually replaced by AGW-II in Ceramic Phase 3 until AGW-II is predominant. This phase corresponds to Troy VI Middle, i.e. Troy VId-f or the 16^th-15^th centuries BCE. The end of Ceramic Phase 3 also saw the emergence of a light-fired variety of AGW called Tan Ware (Pavúk and Horejs 2018).

Unlike on the Greek mainland where Gray Minyan Ware stops by LH IIA, reduction-fired burnished pottery continues in the Troad through the Archaic period. This has traditionally been known as “Aeolian Bucchero.”

AGW-I: fabric (2.5Y 6/1 grey, 10YR 5/1-5/2 greyish brown, 10YR 4/1 dark grey), sometimes with more brown. Color can vary from core to margins, with core color being lighter (7.5R 4/2-5/3 brown) or darker (10YR 4/1 dark gray) than margins. Surface gray (2.5Y 6/1-5/1 gray or darker) with range of shades.

AGW-II: Largely similar to AGW-I. Slightly more porous and better sorted with finer inclusions. Surface better polished than AGW-I and soapier.

Glättmuster Gray Ware (GGW) = Blegen's "Gray Ware"

Anatolian Gray Ware (AGW) = Blegen's "Gray Minyan Ware"

AGW-I = Pavúk's W603

Troy, Ilion (Turkey/Marmara)