Since the 1960s, research on the chemical composition of ancient archaeological glass has been executed. It has become clear that raw ancient glass exists of three main ingredients: silica, lime,...Show moreSince the 1960s, research on the chemical composition of ancient archaeological glass has been executed. It has become clear that raw ancient glass exists of three main ingredients: silica, lime, and a flux. Next to these ingredients, iron is always found in the mix which gives glass naturally a green or blue colour. Around the fourth century AD, a new type of glass was introduced. This glass type was probably made in Egypt and is distinguishable from the other compositional types of glass by its yellow to green colour. Research indicates that the glass has high levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and titanium (Ti) in its composition. This is why, in 1994, the term ‘HIMT’ glass is introduced by prof. I. Freestone. This research focuses on the dispersion of HIMT glass during the fourth to seventh centuries AD on the Italian peninsula to fill in gaps in the knowledge of the general dispersion of HIMT glass throughout the Mediterranean area. HIMT glass was not the only type of glass on the market. In this research, the focus lies on HIMT glass, but to provide more context about the general glass market, also other types of glass like Egypt I and II and Levantine glass are being discussed. It is generally accepted that there are two primary glass production areas for all the ancient glass: the Levant and Egypt. The glass was formed here into large chunks which were shipped throughout the Mediterranean area to secondary production areas. There the glass was formed into vessels or other useable objects. To understand where the glass originates, chemical research is performed. Hereby, not only the chemical elements, which could be added intentionally or unintentionally, are taken into account, also isotopes, like neodymium (Nd) and strontium (Sr) which respectively indicate the age of the sediments and the source of lime, are being researched. This results in the distinction of several glass compositional groups. This research aims to answer the following question: ‘How is HIMT glass dispersed in Italy during the fourth to seventh centuries AD?’. After providing information on the chemical composition of glass and the existing glass compositional groups, an overview is given of 17 sites on the Italian peninsula where HIMT glass is present in the glass assemblage. These sites are researched using archaeological publications. A distinction is made between production sites, where the glass was formed into objects and where production waste was found, and consumption sites, where the objects were solely 68 used. Looking at the context of the sites and the composition of the glass assemblages found there, an overview of the presence of HIMT glass on the Italian peninsula could be provided. To understand the specific dispersion of the glass, three main subjects, trade in the Mediterranean area, trade in Italy, and recycling practices are researched. The research concludes that the glass was shipped from Egypt into Italy via multiple ports and trade routes after which the glass was spread throughout Italy. HIMT glass was mostly used for common ware, because of its relatively low quality, and therefore also useful for recycling. Since this research is based on the existing publications of sites containing HIMT glass, future research could include looking at yet unpublished sites, the data from already published assemblages that have not been used for this thesis, and the possibility of regional differences in shapes of HIMT glass.Show less
The aim of the present research is to examine sugar cane production centers in medieval Cyprus with an in-depth exploration of the technology employed in sugar production including a comparison...Show moreThe aim of the present research is to examine sugar cane production centers in medieval Cyprus with an in-depth exploration of the technology employed in sugar production including a comparison with other production sites around the Mediterranean. The objectives of this investigation are to trace the technological innovation, the knowledge transfer and exchange networks which existed at the time. In addition, the present study investigates the relationships of the owners, and the status of the workforce. Finally, theories related to capitalism and globalization and how they were implemented in sugar production are put forward. The research question is investigated by examining archaeological data of the sugar production sites using online literature in combination with written sources including trade documents, travelers' accounts and state archives. This study exposes that technological knowledge in sugar production derived from the East, but no compact “package” existed. Horizontal water mills were introduced throughout Cyprus from the East (the Levant), while a vertical one at Kouklia and the presses were introduced by the Crusaders. Concerning the pottery making technology, there was a widely used repertoire which was implemented by the Crusaders who owned most of the sugar production centers in the Mediterranean. However, a degree of flexibility in typology choices did occur. The relationship between owners of sugar production sites relied heavily on diplomacy. The workforce was diverse with francomati, parici and, at one point, slaves all employed. The economic system was a hybridization of capitalism and feudalism. Finally, the study shows that sugar production followed Jennings’ model of globalization to an extent. This study of sugar production in medieval Cyprus elucidates technological, social and economic dimensions of human life.Show less
This dissertation focuses on a 12th -13th middle-late Byzantine pottery assemblage from Alexander’s Hill at Sagalassos, SW Turkey. Excavations on Alexander’s Hill offered valuable information...Show moreThis dissertation focuses on a 12th -13th middle-late Byzantine pottery assemblage from Alexander’s Hill at Sagalassos, SW Turkey. Excavations on Alexander’s Hill offered valuable information concerning the last occupation phase of the site before the definite prevalence of the Seljuk Turks. Picking up the torch from past research, this dissertation continues with the in-depth study of the assemblage, which is consisted of sherds coming from coarse wares and glazed tableware. The aims of this research are first to investigate the provenance of the material comparing them to local clay sources of Sagalassos territory and specifically for the glazed samples, to explore whether or not there is a connection to the medieval glazed pottery workshops of Cyprus. The methodology followed for the completion of the project included a series of successive analyses, macroscopic, petrographic and chemical analysis (ICP-OES). The results and their comparison to local and Cypriot (glazed tableware) clay sources, suggested that the assemblage should be considered an import to the site. Furthermore, available data from Cypriot sites did not show any connections as well. Future research on other possibly non-yet discovered clay sources from Sagalassos’ territory and more data coming from more glazed tableware production centres in Cyprus would further develop research on the subject. This project contributes to the ongoing research in Sagalassos by shedding more light on this transitional time-period. In addition, the site can act as a proxy for the investigation of settlement development in medieval Anatolia.Show less
