Commercial Connectivity in Hellenistic Cilicia Pedias: Stamped and Inscribed Amphora Fragments from Tatarlı Höyük

Tatarlı Höyük, situated in the heart of Cilicia Pedias, occupied a strategic position at the intersection of major inland routes and communication corridors during the Hellenistic period. This article presents 35 previously unpublished stamped and inscribed amphora fragments recovered during excavations at the site. The new assemblage, which includes Rhodian handles, basket-handled amphorae of Cypriot or local Cilician production, a Koan stamp, and several gem-stamps, increases the total number of known specimens from the site to 57. The study provides a detailed catalogue of these finds, including die observations and matrix attributions, while contextualizing them within their stratigraphic and spatial settings on the citadel. Chronologically, the material exhibits a bimodal distribution with a notable concentration in Rhodian Periods I and III, reflecting sustained inland participation in Eastern Mediterranean exchange networks. Significant epigraphic contributions include the identification of new eponym–fabricant associations, such as the Θέστωρ–Σωκράτης II pairing, and previously unpublished matrix variants. Beyond its documentary value, the assemblage highlights the diversity of maritime and regional trade connections in inland Cilicia. A working model is proposed wherein Tatarlı’s access to maritime trade was mediated through internal corridors, potentially utilizing the Pyramos River as a commercial artery. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of integrating inland nodes into reconstructions of Hellenistic commercial landscapes, demonstrating that long-distance trade goods circulated far beyond the coastal ports.