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Etruscan Pottery and Pithekoussai
Angela Murock Leatherman, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

I present the hypothesis that the earliest Greek style pottery of Etruscan Vulci had more in common with the painted wares of Euboea than does the pottery of the “Euboean colony” of Pithekoussai. This seems to be contrary to what one would assume since the ethnic ties between Euboea and Pithekoussai were closer. However, it was evidently the market for Greek style pottery in Vulci that attracted skilled potters and painters from Euboea.

First, I give an overview of the evidence for the version of the Greek style Geometric pottery made in Vulci. The style of the Vulci pottery was more similar in quality and style to the Euboean style of mainland Greece. Second, I discuss the local painted pottery of Pithekoussai. The connection between the styles of Euboea and the island of Pithekoussai has long been noted and its importance emphasized. However, this connection is limited to very few pieces that have been often published and mentioned in print. Finally, I outline some of the possible reasons for ties between the pottery styles of Euboea and Vulci being stronger than those between Euboea and Pithekoussai. Trade with the Etruscans evidently predates the foundation of Pithekoussai, and there was a large market for fine Greek wares among the wealthy of Vulci. I also demonstrate that the closest connections for the pottery industry on Pithekoussai are to be found in the Etruscan city of Tarquinia, when Greek Geometric style pottery was already declining in fashion.

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