IMPORTED ITALIAN POTTERY IN EAST CRETE

After the Fourth Crusade and the sectional segregation of the Byzantine Empire, Crete became part of the Italian province of Venice. Undoubtedly, the Venetian dominance in Crete influenced all aspects of life at the island. Therefore throughout everyday life objects such as table ware ceramics (for example glazed plates) a depiction of the important role of Italian presence occurs. Using mainly maritime commercial routs, various kinds of commodities and products coming from Italy, were recognized and used by Cretans. Through this presentation that is in relation to the PhD thesis, a primary attempt is made in order to approach with reported and mentioned examples Italian existence on the east part of the island. Cities such as Heraklion, Sitia, Ierapetra or Hagios Nikolaos that were significant at the time, are able to provide us with certain data, concerning Italian pottery