Late Bronze Age Painted Pottery Traditions at the Margins of the Hittite State: Papers Presented at a Workshop Held at the 11th ICAANE (Munchen 4 April 2018) and Additional Contributions

The book "Late Bronze Age Painted Pottery Traditions at the Margins of the Hittite State" explores the presence of painted ceramics in the Late Bronze Age in Anatolia, particularly at the margins of the Hittite State. Despite a decline in painted pottery, it is still frequently attested in Southern and South-Eastern, and Northern Anatolia. The volume aims to reconstruct a comprehensive scenario of the appearance, evolution, and historical meanings of these painted pottery traditions, with 12 papers by leading specialists offering a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

The Margins of the Hittite State in the Late Bronze Age witnessed a remarkable revival of painted pottery traditions, a phenomenon that stands in stark contrast to the general decline observed in the region during this period. This workshop, organized by the editors at the 11th ICAANE held in Munich in 2018, brought together renowned scholars from various fields to explore the intricacies of this artistic resurgence.

The Late Bronze Age in the Ancient Near East marked a significant shift in the prevalence of painted pottery, with plain ceramics emerging as the dominant material culture. This trend was particularly evident in Anatolia, where the dominance of the Hittite State was characterized by the widespread use of simple undecorated ceramics. However, at the fringes of the empire, particularly in Southern and South-Eastern Anatolia, as well as Northern Anatolia, painted ceramics continued to thrive, and recent excavations have shed light on these remarkable traditions.

Despite the abundance of painted pottery at the margins of the Hittite State, a comprehensive analysis of this material has yet to be undertaken. This volume seeks to break through the boundaries traditionally imposed on the study of 2nd millennium BC pottery production in Anatolia and reconstruct a comprehensive understanding of the appearance, evolution, and historical meanings of these painted pottery traditions. To achieve this goal, 12 papers authored by leading specialists in the field have been collected in this book. These papers offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the phenomenon of painted pottery in the 2nd millennium BC, providing a foundation for future research and exploration.

In conclusion, the Margins of the Hittite State in the Late Bronze Age witnessed a remarkable revival of painted pottery traditions, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of this region. This workshop and the resulting volume contribute significantly to our understanding of the Late Bronze Age and its significance in the ancient Near East.

Weight: 1006g
Dimension: 204 x 276 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803272016