Clay Miniature Altars from Olbia

Аrulae bearing four standard relief scenes on their sides are discussed in the paper and mapped area of spread Pontic region. Their origin is being for almost a century. According to number finds, Southern Italy was believed be place production, while according analogies mouldmade pottery it Athens. However, find such item made imported clay Athens, as well quantitative prevailing them Black Sea region allow presuming additional centres production. Most published here terracottas from Olbia were found botros at Central temenos where coroplast’s workshop had functioned. No mould arulae production discovered there, but significant number, variations décor size upper part, finds smaller next generation mould, manufactural techniques peculiar Olbian coroplastics 2nd century BC local these items. It revealed that height above denticule between palmettes depended processing by hand varied significantly. means an indicator altars should not considered decisive determining origin. The publication brings corrections also into discussion interpretation altars. There various versions attributing kitharode god with trident, companions. Temples Zeus Apollo functioned items found. Relief analyzed least habitants depicted gods worshipped here. trident them, Poseidon, kithara Apollo, Orpheus. Accordingly, order personages thymiateria worshippers following: Zeus, Nike, Dionysus Apollo. Images single could reflect need worship many once during cultic practices home. produced within sacral precinct needs family cults, they often houses. Probably very set main cults reason rapid Greek world.