Session: #1029

Content:

Made from fired clay, brick, tile and decorated architectural terracottas are among the most abundant material remains from Antiquity. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in this material, recognised as an underutilised source of information in archaeological research. New results demonstrate that there are now better possibilities than before for using ceramic building materials as evidence and drawing further conclusions. For example, more detailed scientific analyses, a better understanding of the production and use processes, and emerging, more detailed knowledge of forms and types are producing interesting results and new data. New research also reveals gaps in our knowledge and highlights many possible approaches to this material.

This session invites researchers interested in this material to join the discussion and share their latest findings and discuss new research avenues and growing collaboration. We are inviting contributions from the entire Mediterranean region, spanning from the Classical to Medieval period. The session is particularly interested in contributions that focus on, e.g.:

1. New methodologies in tile, brick and ceramic building material research.
2. Individual finds of different kinds, contributing to a better understanding of emerging typologies (local, regional, trans-regional).
3. A closer examination of production methods, individual workshops, or the identification of elements related to serial production.
4. Questions related to production, construction, and maintenance processes.
5. How objects change and are reused, including their secondary life-cycles.
6. Chaîne opératoire and technical variability.
7. Scientific analysis, including elements, petrography, colours, applicability, and new results.
8. Technical characteristics of the material.
9. New methods for documenting and analysing data.
10. Other tile and brick-related topics.

Session: #1029

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