Abstract

Investigating the pottery firing structures of the Iron Age reveals a complexity due to the diverse data that presents significant challenges in interpretation. A major hurdle in this field of study is the lack of a cohesive typology and standardized terminology for pyro-technological evidence. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, scholars such as Duhamel, Swan, and Cuomo di Caprio laid the groundwork with their typologies based on various criteria. While their contributions are invaluable, they exhibit limitations, including an oversight of protohistoric and pre-Roman periods and an overemphasis on feature morphology rather than functional analysis.

In the wake of their pioneering efforts, subsequent researchers have sought to broaden the scope of kiln studies, integrating protohistoric evidence into the discourse. Recent studies have introduced innovative ‘functional’ typologies that transcend traditional morphological classifications. This paper aims to synthesize these developments, offering a critical examination of pottery kiln characteristics, proposing a unified vocabulary, and providing a comprehensive comparison of existing European typologies. Additionally, the lecture will explore how the kilns can be used as powerful tool for understanding the economic and social dimensions of Iron Age life. By contextualizing pyro-technological features within broader frameworks, from the geographic context to the economic and social backgrounds, it is possible to disclose insights into the technological choices of Iron Age societies.