Le anfore pseudo–panatenaiche da Roma e dintorni: un fenomeno di atticismo nell’artigianato tardo–ellenistico locale ?

843 fragments of Panathenaic prize–amphorae, dating back to Hellenistic age, as well as 528 fragments of “pseudo–Panathenaic” amphorae have been found at the archaeological site of Piano di Corzano–Quarto del Cappello da Prete, next to the ancient city of Gabii near Rome. The latter are very similar to the former, but they are characterized by the lack of any epigraphic formulary. One of the main purposes of this inquiry was to identify the place of origin of the “pseudo–Panathenaic” amphorae which, reproducing accurately enough the iconographic pattern of the award amphorae, are up to now generally considered belonging to Attic production centres. Some fragments of both “pseudo–Panathenaic” and Panathenaic amphorae have been tested with X Ray, in order to detect, with non–invasive techniques, the quality of their elements. A number of fragments, found in the area of Tor Sapienza in Rome, have been similarly tested. These pot–sherds, pertaining to handicrafts connected to the “pseudo–Panathenaic” amphorae, are characterized by architectural patterns. The test issues enable us to state that both the “pseudo–Panathenaic” amphorae found at Quarto del Cappello da Prete and the ones found at Tor Sapienza do not belong to Attic production. We could assume a possible origin from nearby or regional locations, nevertheless the tests performed do not allow to prove it for certain.