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This paper provides an interpretative framework and classification for the macro- and microscopic identification and provenancing of ancient Greek and Roman ceramic fabrics from Cyrenaica and the wider North African littoral based on ceramic petrology and the kinds of clay sources available for ancient pottery production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eighteen stamped amphora handles found at Tel Jezreel include sixteen of the Rhodian class, one of the Knidian class, and one unclassified. They are valuable as evidence for the Hellenistic occupation at the site. Their half-century span roughly corresponds to the profile of the 310 stamps from nearby Tel Iṣṭabbah (Hellenistic Nysa-Scythopolis), and suggests a similar chronological terminus related to the campaign of John Hyrcanus I through the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of Tel Jezreel overlooking the Jezreel Valley has been settled from Neolithic times to the 20th century. There is evidence of a thriving settlement reflecting eastern Roman provincial culture from the Hellenistic period into Late Antiquity into the eighth century AD. Growing of vines in the vicinity and wine production probably continued from the Iron Age period and there is evidence of several wine presses from the early Byzantine period along with abundant wine jar pottery sherds. Pottery evidence reflects the use of terra sigillata and Late Roman Fine Ware for table ware and of cooking vessels and trasport amphorae. Wine was imported in Hellenistic times with several stamped and dateable Rhodian jar handles recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western production of lead-glazed pottery began in Asia Minor during the first century B.C.E. Examining this topic offers insights into invention and innovation in a period frequently dismissed as technologically stagnant and invites questions about why lead-glazed pottery did not come into general use in Europe until the Medieval period. The identification of this pottery with the rhosica vasa mentioned by Cicero and Athenaeus highlights difficulties in reconciling documentary sources with material culture. Lead-glazed pottery is discussed in terms of chronology, function, and production technology. Contemporaneous developments in glass and metalwork suggest cognitive synchronization among workers in different materials. The trajectory of invention, innovation, and diffusion of lead-glazed pottery is compared with that of other Greek and Roman technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]