Production Landscapes of Historical Knossos

The Project

This aspect of KLASP focuses on changes to production and economy at Knossos around the time of the Roman conquest of Crete in the 1st century BC. The ancient pottery kilns being studied, offer a window into the economic and cultural dynamics of the Late Hellenistic and Early Roman periods (1st century BC – 1st century AD). Two major projects—examining the KS178 kiln and the Panayiotis Kritzalakis Property (KPK)—have revealed fascinating insights into pottery production and trade in this vibrant Mediterranean hub. In addition to these, a Hellenistic and Roman kiln complex that was excavated in the Knossos valley in 1937/1938 (partially published by Homann-Wedeking B. 1950, "A Kiln Site a Knossos” ABSA 45: 165-92) is also being reconsidered, and partially restudied.

The KS178 kiln, located on a hill to the west of the Minoan palace, was initially believed to represent Hellenistic economic activity. However, research led by Dr Conor Trainor and a team of student researchers from the University of Warwick revealed that the kiln was likely constructed after Rome’s conquest of Crete in 67 BC, highlighting a transition tied to Roman influence. The kiln’s output included pottery of transport, utility and ritual function. One particularly interesting piece included a Medusa-themed bowl mold and evidence of nearby pottery workshops (Eiring J. 2001, "KSI 78 — an Industrial Area in the Greek City of Knossos", 8th International Congress for Cretological Studies, Acta I: Herakleion: p. 443-456).

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The KPK site, excavated in 1978 but studied in detail in 2023 and 2024, offers another perspective on Knossos’s pottery industry. Situated near the village of Bougadha Metochi, the site yielded over 16,000 ceramic fragments, including kiln-wasters and a several local amphora types. In addition to production-related materials, the KPK site revealed imports from Rhodes, Kos, Italy, and Asia Minor, underscoring Knossos’s interconnected trade networks. Notable discoveries included fragments of rare vessel types like lagynoi, used for transporting wine in smaller quantities than amphorae.

The findings at Knossos reveal the dynamic interplay between local traditions and external influences during a pivotal period in Mediterranean history. The city’s shift toward wine export under Roman rule exemplifies economic adaptation, while the evidence of specialized pottery production highlights the ingenuity of Knossian craftspeople. These studies contribute not only to our understanding of Knossos but also to the broader narrative of cultural and economic change in the ancient world.