The Sources of Oriental Imports at the Samian Sanctuary of Hera
Ivanova Anna V.
During the excavations of Samian sanctuary of Hera large numbers of votive offerings of oriental origin were uncovered. The analysis of literal, epigraphic and archaeological sources allows us to conclude that the majority of such votives were imported by the means of trade, exchange of craftsmanship techniques, mercenary services of the Greeks in the East and pirate raids. Pilgrimage by foreign travellers and the migration of oriental craftsmen in the case of Samos seem to be less plausible and lack solid evidence.
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