How the Uruk Potters Used the Wheel. New Data on Modalities and Conditions of Emergence of the Potter’s Wheel in the Uruk World

The phase and the ceramic materials that, in Southern Mesopotamia, go under label of “Uruk” (after toponym site southern Iraq) have traditionally been considered origin for development potter’s wheel Near East, according to a perspective that associated emergence wheel, “mass” production so-called bevelled-rim bowls first urbanization. According recent excavations studies it is now clear this was narrative based on priori convictions. However, even if very different socio-technical conditions, true made an early appearance Mesopotamia within Uruk cultural sphere, then developed widespread discontinuous way network. Based ongoing fieldwork data from Syria (Tell Feres) Iraqi Kurdistan (Logardan Girdi Qala), analyses taken into account new criteria identify use wheel. This paper outlines chronological scenario behind adoption world, picturing peculiarities environment, as well parallels with conditions northern other areas East.