An early Byzantine alkali glazing tradition? Discussion of P. Armstrong (2020). The earliest glazed ceramics in constantinople: A regional or international phenomenon? Journal of archaeological science: Reports, 29, 102, 078. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freestone, Ian C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 35(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Byzantine -- Ceramic -- Glaze -- Composition -- Monastery of St. Lot -- Deir 'Ain 'Abata -- Jordan; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: The glazes on ceramics of the Monastery of Lot, Jordan were accidental ash vapour glazes. They do not support the idea of an early Byzantine alkali glazing tradition. There is currently no evidence for early alkali glazed Byzantine earthenware. Tenth century polychrome white ware glazes may reflect the use of Anatolian soda sources. Abstract: The suggestion by Armstrong (2020) that the ceramics from the fifth century monastery of St. Lot, Jordan, represent evidence for an early Byzantine alkali glazing tradition is based upon a misinterpretation of an earlier study by Freestone et al. (2001). The St. Lot glazes were unintentional and formed as a result of the reaction of the kiln vapour with the clay ceramic. Evidence for an early Byzantine alkali glazing technology is called into question.