Hopper–Rubbers or Olynthus Mills from Şarhöyük/ Dorylaion: Recent Evidence on Typology and Chronology

Authors : Mahmut Bilge Baştürk

Pages : 211-234

Doi:10.26650/anar.2024.30.1452219

View : 20 | Download : 25

Publication Date : 2024-09-04

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Şarhöyük/Dorylaion (Dorylaeum) is one of the largest mounds in central Anatolia and boasts a stratigraphical sequence that spans from the Late Chalcolithic period to the end of the 12th century AD. This paper focuses on a particular set of discoveries made at Şarhöyük, namely the Olynthus millstones, or the hopper-rubbers, which are generally considered as an important development stage from basic grinding mills to complex grinding techniques. Most of the millstones discovered were found in the Hellenistic layers, either in situ or in secondary contexts. With the exception of the mill with hand grips, all other samples that can be classified based on a certain typology belong to the Olynthus Mills group with Vertical Holes for Pivot, commonly referred to as Frankel’s Type II.4 or Bombardieri’s Type IIID.3e. However, it is plausible to suggest subtypes within this group. The aim of this study is to analyse a specific ‘eastern type’ Olynthus mill and the timeframe of its usage based on archaeological data from Şarhöyük/Dorylaion and its surrounding region.
Keywords : Dorylaion Dorylaeum, Hopper rubber, Olynthus mill, Mediterranean, Hellenistic, Achaemenid