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Neolithic pottery

Neolithic Pottery: Unveiling the Revolution

The discovery of pottery, a revolutionary innovation of the Neolithic era, remains shrouded in the mysteries of ancient times.

Serendipitous Transformation: From Clay to Stone

It is believed that Neolithic communities stumbled upon an extraordinary discovery by chance: the transformation of clay into a stone-like substance when exposed to the heat of fire.

Though the exact circumstances of this discovery remain unknown, what is certain is that this material quickly spread across Europe, enabling the creation of objects impossible to shape with stone.

Evolution of the Ceramics Creation Process

The evolution of the ceramics creation process is fascinating. The soft mixture, molded into vase shapes and left to air dry, was subsequently subjected to firing in a specially designed kiln.

From Trench to Dome Oven: Structural Innovations

This kiln, initially a simple trench with a fire at the center and vases arranged at the sides, transformed over time into a raised dome-shaped structure capable of reaching high temperatures and maintaining heat for an extended period.

The Miracle of Firing: From Clay to Ceramics

Through this process, clay transformed into the marvel that is ceramics or terracotta, taking on a vibrant reddish hue after firing.

From "Coiling" Technique to the Potter's Wheel: Turning Point in Vessel Formation

The oldest method, known as "coiling," involved creating a clay cylinder rolled to form the base of the vessel, later shaped by hand.

However, this technique produced vessels with thick and irregular walls. The turning point towards creating thinner and more symmetrical vessels only came with the invention of the potter's wheel, attributed to the Sumerians around 3000 BCE.

From "Cardial Ware" to Painting: Evolution of Decorations

Ancient craftsmen adorned their early vessels by impressing marks on fresh clay, often using small shell-like cardium shells, hence the term "cardial ware."

Over time, decorations became more intricate, including geometric patterns such as triangles, spirals, straight or wavy lines.

Artistic Expression: Painting on Vessels

The art of decoration further evolved with the introduction of painting, applying natural pigments mixed with animal fats to the still-fresh vessel.

This progression marked a significant chapter in the history of ceramics, making it not only functional but also an artistic expression of extraordinary beauty.

[goldsilverplatinumandcopper]

HISTORIC TREASURE UNEARTHED IN KENTUCKY CORNFIELD!

In a jaw-dropping discovery, a Kentucky farmer stumbled upon a treasure trove of over 700 Civil War-era coins while tending to his field. Aptly named the "Great Kentucky Hoard," the find comprises predominantly of U.S. gold coins dating back to the turbulent period between 1840 and 1863.

In a video capturing the moment, the anonymous farmer marvels at the astonishing collection, showcasing $1, $10, and $20 gold coins emerging from the soil. Certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Co. (NGC), the hoard boasts rare gems, including 18 of the coveted 1863-P $20 1-ounce gold Liberty coins, each capable of fetching six figures at auction.

Experts suggest the coins may shed light on Kentucky's history during the Civil War, speculating that wealthy residents may have buried their fortunes to thwart Confederate raids. Conflict archaeologist Ryan McNutt highlights the potential wealth of information these hoards hold about past individuals.

McNutt emphasises the importance of collaboration between landowners and archaeologists for a deeper understanding of these historical finds. Without such engagement, these snapshots of the past risk being lost forever.

Image credit: Numismatic Guaranty Co

Discover amazing historic sites and artefacts in your area by searching the ARCHI UK database at https://www.archiuk.com

Read more at https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/kentucky-man-finds-over-700-civil-war-era-coins-buried-in-his-cornfield

#KentuckyHoard #CivilWarCoins #HistoricalDiscover #ARCHIUK #ArchaeologyDiscoveries #HistoryUnearthed #AncientCivilizations #ArchaeologicalExcavations #HeritagePreservation #CulturalHeritage #ArchaeologyNews #HistoricalResearch #ArchaeologyCommunity #DiggingThePast #ArchaeologyExploration #AncientArtefacts #ArchaeologyLovers #ArchaeologicalSites #UncoveringHistory #ArchaeologyInsights

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Archaeology and Historic Sites Index-ARCHI

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