From Clay to Cultural History: Methodological Reflections and Case Studies on the Archaeometric Analysis of Hittite Ceramics from Central Anatolia and Red Lustrous Wheel-made Ware

This lecture presents new insights into Hittite ceramic production and distribution through the application of archaeometric methods, demonstrating how the integration of natural sciences and archaeological research enhances our understanding of ancient societies. Focusing on Late Bronze Age ceramics from Boğazköy/Ḫattuša and Uşaklı Höyük, as well as Red Lustrous Wheel-made Ware (RLW), the talk discusses the potential of combining different analytical techniques to trace raw material sources, reconstruct production settings, and refine interpretations of ceramic production and distribution in the Hittite world of Central Anatolia.

A further focus will also be on the methodological framework, including strategies for selecting analytical techniques, the critical role of reference materials (such as clay samples), and the importance of close collaboration between archaeometry and archaeology. The lecture will also address the long-standing debate on the provenance of Red Lustrous Wheel-made Ware, presenting new evidence that underscores the significance of the Rough Cilicia region in understanding Late Bronze Age exchange networks in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Through these case studies, the lecture explores how archaeometric approaches help bridge the gap between material remains and cultural-historical interpretation, offering a practical model for future interdisciplinary research in archaeological science.