WHAT IS THE HELLENISTIC PERIOD?

Period of the widest Greek influence, the era between the death of Alexander the Great (323 bc) and the rise of the Roman Empire (27/30 bc), when a single, uniform civilization, based on Greek traditions, prevailed all over the ancient world, from India in the east, to Spain in the west. During these three centuries, Greek culture crossed many political frontiers and spread through many cities founded at that time, especially the new capitals of Alexandria, Antioch, and Pergamum. A common civilization became established throughout the known world for the first time, one which integrated the cultural heritage of each region and subsequently left a deep impression on the institutions, thought, religions, and art of the Roman, Parthian, and Kushan Empires. The Hellenistic cultural influence continued to be a powerful force in the Roman and Parthian Empires during the early centuries ad.

WHAT IS THE GNATHIAN WARE?

A pottery fabric of the Hellenistic period (4th to 3rd centuries bc) in southern Italy. Produced originally at Apulia, the pots are decorated with a black-glossed technique with simple designs in yellow and white. It is the western equivalent of West Slope ware. It is unlike other south Italian pottery and was widely exported.

WHAT IS THE BLACK GLAZED ?

BLACK GLAZED: A style of pottery decoration in which plain wares were given a black sheen, which continued well into the Hellenistic period – especially in Athens from the 6th to 2nd centuries bc. These wares were often made alongside figure-decorated pottery and, from the 5th century bc, the shapes were frequently of stamped decoration. In the 4th century bc, rouletting was also used. [black-glossed]