Some remarks on Greek ritual meals. Preliminary results of the study on cooking and plain pottery from the Sanctuary of Apollo at Soros (Thessaly)

Studies on ritual meals represent one of the most im- portant topics related to ancient Greek religion. The study of cook- ing and plain pottery from the Greek sanctuary of Apollo at Soros, investigated by the Department of Archaeology of the University of Thessaly, in collaboration with the 13th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, has constituted an important opportunity to apply an in-depth analysis on this topic. Morphological and func- tional study of these vessels has, in fact, offered significant informa- tion about the role of cooking and plain pottery within this sacred area. In the light of this preliminary overview of shapes and profiles attested within this sacred area, it is now possible to present some considerations related to the ritual activities involving the partici- pation of a small community and a specific age bracket. This study constitutes an important topic for further studies not only in rela- tion to other Thessalian peri-urban sacred places, but also for other ancient Greek sanctuaries.