Clay kiln firing at Borġ in-Nadur: Experimental Archaeology Project Phase 1

Lecture by Dr John C. Betts & Ms Katya Stroud

In the absence of direct archaeological evidence for kilns in prehistoric Malta, an experimental approach provides the opportunity for the replication of prehistoric firing techniques and the comparative analysis of locally recovered ceramics with known kiln structures from the corresponding chronological period.

This project, a collaboration between the Department of Classics and Archaeology of the University of Malta, and the Prehistoric Sites (South) Department within Heritage Malta as well as the additional experience and knowledge of freelance archaeologists and colleagues at Savio College, employed experimental archaeology to deepen our understanding of Maltese prehistoric pottery production. This was carried out through the systematic reconstruction of a prehistoric kiln and the testing of ancient ceramic technologies through hands-on experiments. This research was undertaken with the aims of providing: A comparison between experimental replicas and original Prehistoric and Classical pottery, an understanding of what kiln reconstructions reveal about ancient firing techniques and additional insights into how prehistoric pots were made, decorated, and fired.