Material processing of pottery from the ancient world

Pottery is one of the most common, durable, and complex artifacts found in archaeological investigations throughout the Mediterranean basin. At the same time, pottery is also a very useful resource for understanding our past. An important part of archaeological research is the analysis of pottery as it provides the basis for studying a wide range of topics such as chronology, technology, diet, societal development, trade and economy, migration and mobility, and demography.

The overall goal of this course is to introduce and familiarize students with the material processing of pottery from different parts of the ancient world, from the prehistoric period to the Graeco-Roman cultures. We will review a wide variety of analytical approaches to the study of pottery, including scientific methods, but the emphasis will be on methodology and development of practical skills.

The course consists of a combination of lectures and workshops, through which the student will learn how to systematically categorize different ceramic wares and fabrics from the broader Mediterranean area, how to interpret and compose a technical drawing of a sherd, how to digitize such drawings and prepare them for publication, how to methodically describe and document pottery sherds, and how to handle and make use of pottery in archaeological analysis. The knowledge, skills, and competences gained through the course will not only provide students with analytical tools fundamental to the study and visual presentation of pottery, but also to the study and visual presentation of material culture in general.