Playing with fire: Exploring ceramic pyrotechnology in the Late Neolithic Balkans through an archaeometric and experimental approach

Addressing ceramic pyrotechnology plays a key role in understanding wide range of cultural and social behaviours associated to pottery production. Firing is the process which transforms clay into ceramic, one most frequently preserved materials majority Neolithic later archaeological sites. Though firing temperatures functions various pyrotechnological installations have been extensively investigated archaeology, both often addressed separately. Most our knowledge on structures procedures are still largely based ethnoarchaeological evidence. To move forward, we need consider all aspects involved ancient pyrotechnology, together with use additional investigative tools. This study aims address from diverse perspective that merges archaeometric analyses experimental archaeology. demonstrate potential this approach, combined an case late (5200–4800 BCE) site Gradište-Iđjoš (Serbia) pit firings, likely mostly employed techniques used prehistoric periods. Scientific include X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), petrography. These methods were run reproductions. Additionally, detailed program temperature monitoring, integrated observations atmospheric conditions, soaking time, duration recorded contribute study. The experiments enabled us collect results useful for potters technological point view. In addition, they demonstrated dedicated methodological framework studying can be applied other chronological contexts.