Archaeology, Epigraphy, Philology

Abstract

(Hasmonean) and Early Roman periods. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 c.e. , the workshops were placed under the authority of the Roman Tenth Legion, which later established another workshop in close proximity to the earlier ones. In this study, we examine whether and to what extent these historical and cultural changes are reflected in the production organization, manufacturing processes, and products of the post-70 workshops. Our research is based on new petrographic findings deriving from 129 ceramic products that were manufactured over the course of the above period in the area in question. Those petrographic findings indicate that a significant change occurred after 70 c.e. New pottery types (e.g., dolia and mortaria) and building materials (roof tiles, bricks, and tubuli) were produced in connection with a new “recipe” and a different geological unit. This change in recipe included the intentional addition of quartz grains to the ceramic paste, this resulting in a significant increase in the toughness of the resulting products. We also discuss the reason why recourse was made to a distinct geological unit. Our study may help in attributing vessels and building materials found at other sites in the area to the Jerusalem workshops and provide insight into the nature of those workshops’ activity. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.]