Ancient Potters

A detailed Summary of Ancient Potters

Our knowledge of ancient science and technology is based entirely on what we have uncovered at archeological sites. When researchers first started finding things belonging to ancient peoples, they formed ideas about how those people lived and operated in their society. As more information came to light, many ideas had to be changed. New discoveries enabled researchers to get a clearer picture of how certain areas of the ancient world practiced their trade. Many of the new discoveries had to do with pottery. There is now an abundance of information telling us about ancient potters, concerning how they produced their wares and to where these wares were sold.

Apart from the progression from open fire to the use of kilns, more specific elements of the pottery process were revealed. With the use of modern technology, researchers realized that the ancient potters were not just using whatever clay was available but were using certain kinds. As the craft developed, the potters learned which clay to use for its strength and color. We now know that it is the levels of iron and calcium contained in the clay that determine these things. Also, it was discov

ered that, contrary to popular belief, paint was not used to illustrate the pottery. Instead, a mixture of clay and water, called a slip, was used. The slip was added before the clay was fired. To get the change in color desired, the potters (probably unaware of the chemistry involved) deprived the fire of oxygen at one point in the process and then reintroduced it.

In one of the sites in France where researchers found pottery making facilities, one was found with pottery still in it. Stacks of cups, bowls and plates were on the shelves, seemingly ready to ship. But, when the scientist tried to pick one the entire stack came. The potter accidentally melted them together and must have abandoned his post rather than face repercussions.

The Samian ware pottery was not just locally mass-produced; it was done on an empire wide scale and larger. Most of the pottery was made in Gaul, what is now modern day France, but the pottery was found quite some distance from there, and in large quantities. When archeologists dug Pompeii out of the ash, they found crates in warehouses of thousands of this mass-produced pottery waiting to be sent to markets and b

Some common words found in the essay are:
, samian ware, samian ware pottery, found pottery, ancient potters, ware pottery, pottery facilities,

Approximate Word count = 784
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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Ancient Potters

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