Judean pithoi of Iron Age Eretz Israel

The excavation and analysis of pottery is an important element in the archaeology of Eretz Israel and in the development of assemblages which are representative of selected strata. The developments in ceramic research over the last century and a half have revealed that there are common characteristics among the pottery produced in a country in a single period of time. There are, however, decided differences between the pottery of various geographical regions. The character and history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah is reflective of the various geographical zones of the country through which the ubiquitous nature of ceramics provides a useful indicator of time periods and, to a degree, locales and consequently usage. This study has attempted, through statistical analysis to typologize pithoi according to dating periods and to isolate them as being predominantly from one particular area or another. Included also is an ethno-archaeological approach to pottery technology as a means to better understanding the character and role of the ceramics industry in light of the fragility and frequent replacement of pottery within a culture. This constant demand for new supplies allows for a relatively swift change in typoIogical development. Thus the typological advantages of pottery have firmly established it as the principal source of chronology for the historic and late prehistoric periods in Eretz Israel. In order to appreciate the circumstances in which the pithos developed the analysis takes into consideration the political and geographical environment of the Iron Age, ceramic traditions, the manner and means of manufacture of the pithos and also alternate means of storage. In light of these factors, as revealed at nineteen sites within four geographical zones, a number of pithos types are set forth as being representative of Judah in the Iron Age