Impressive Pottery Workshop Exposed in the Galilee

A pottery workshop where jars were produced 1,600 years ago (Roman period) was uncovered in archaeological excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority [IAA] in the western Galilee.

According to excavation director, Joppe Gosker, “What makes the pottery works so special is its unique kiln, which was hewn in bedrock and is unlike most of the kilns known to us that were built of stone, earth and mud. The ancient workshop included a system for storing water, storage compartments, a kiln, etc.”

Gosker added, “The kiln was meticulously constructed. It consisted of two chambers—one a firebox in which branches were inserted for burning and a second chamber where the pottery vessels were placed that were fired in the scorching heat that was generated. Ceramic debris…indicates that two types of vessels were manufactured here: storage jars that could be transported overland, and jars with large handles (amphorae) that were used to store wine or oil and which were exported from Israel by sea.”

According to IAA geologist, Anastasia Shapiro, “We can explain the quarrying of this rare kiln right here because of the special geological conditions found in the area…here there is chalk bedrock, which on the one hand is soft and therefore, easily quarried, and on the other is sufficiently strong to endure the intense heat.”