Goblet

This conical goblet sits on a flat foot and is decorated with horizontal incised lines. The surface has been burnished. It is made of a dark gray clay, using a potter’s wheel. It was excavated at Shahr-i Qumis in northern Iran, which has been identified as the ancient city of Hecatompylos, established by the Parthians as their capital by about 200 B.C. In Greek Hecatompylos means ‘a hundred gates,’ suggesting that the city was quite large. Indeed, the modern archaeological site includes several mounds, only a few of which have been excavated, and a vast area covered with potsherds. This vessel comes from Site VI, a building which has been interpreted as a fortified garrison. It was most likely a drinking vessel, probably for wine. Indeed, clay bullae used to seal wine jars have been found elsewhere at the site.