Beyond the Surface: Decoding Ancient Ceramics through Petrography

Simona Raneri

This course consists of two 4-hour lectures and one 4-hour laboratory session, focusing on the role of petrography for archeological ceramics. The course will demonstrate how petrography addresses key archaeological questions about ceramics namely, where (provenance), how (technology), and why (use).
The course will start by introducing raw material selection, suitable clayey sediments for ceramic production, and manufacturing processes. The technique of thin-section ceramic petrography will be covered, including microscopy, optical mineralogy, thin section analysis, and the compositional features of ceramics. Next, we will explore classification and characterization methods based on minero-petrographic features, emphasizing how petrography provides insights into ceramic provenance and production technology. Complementary techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and non-destructive methods like Raman spectroscopy and portable XRF, will also be introduced. Finally, case studies will be presented to illustrate how petrography and petrology contribute to reconstructing ancient archaeological contexts. The laboratory session will offer hands-on training with thin-section analysis of diverse archaeological ceramics, providing practical experience in applying these methods.