Making the most of expert knowledge to analyse archaeological data: a case study on Parthian and Sasanian glazed pottery

Abstract Chemical compositional data sets of archaeological artefacts are often analysed using standard statistical procedures. Adopting a different approach, we examine the major element oxides found in Parthian and Sasanian glazed pottery by identifying statistically important ratios conjunction with expert knowledge scientist during, rather than after, identification process. This results meaningful ratios, both archaeologically, which help identify recipes production practices used Mesopotamian glass glaze producers. The application logratio analysis to interrogate chronological groups suggests that silica sources for glazes were significantly purer later periods exhibited less variation. Comparing expert-assisted selection derived from legacy set recovered at early 3rd century CE Roman military outpost Ain Sinu northern Iraq supports hypothesis there was shift more standardised glazes. If this translates centralised glass-making industry, it would suggest are, as yet, undiscovered centres, potentially areas associated increased urbanisation southern Mesopotamia around time Parthian–Sasanian transition.