The potter's wheel was a revolutionary technology in pre-Roman Britain, and its impact on the lives of common people was significant. Prior to the introduction of the potter's wheel, pottery was made by hand using a technique called coiling, which involved rolling clay into long, thin ropes and then layering them on top of each other to form the shape of the vessel.
The potter's wheel, which was likely introduced to Britain by the Celts around the 5th century BCE, greatly improved the efficiency and quality of pottery production. With the use of a spinning wheel, potters could create vessels with much greater speed and accuracy than before, leading to a significant increase in the quantity and variety of pottery available.
The availability of pottery had a number of important effects on the lives of common people. For one, it allowed for greater storage of food and water, as well as easier transportation of these goods over long distances. This had significant implications for trade and commerce, as pottery vessels could be used to transport and store valuable goods such as spices, oils, and wine.
In addition, the use of pottery vessels for cooking and storage helped to improve hygiene and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This was particularly important in the context of pre-modern Britain, where access to clean water and proper sanitation was often limited.
The potter's wheel allowed for the creation of more uniform pottery vessels, which had many advantages over handmade vessels. Uniform pottery vessels were more efficient for cooking and storage, as they had smooth surfaces that made them easier to clean and prevented food from sticking. Additionally, the uniformity of pottery vessels made them easier to stack and store, which was important for both domestic and commercial use.
With the introduction of the potter's wheel, pottery became an important trade commodity in pre-Roman Britain. Pottery workshops were established throughout the country, and potters began producing a wide variety of vessels for both domestic and commercial use. Pottery production became an important source of income for many people, and some pottery workshops grew to become major businesses that employed dozens of workers.
Pottery vessels produced on the potter's wheel were used for a wide range of purposes in pre-Roman Britain. Large urns and storage vessels were used for storing grain, water, and other commodities, while smaller vessels were used for cooking, serving food, and holding personal belongings. Pottery lamps, candlesticks, and other decorative items were also produced.
The use of pottery vessels for cooking and storage helped to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of disease in pre-Roman Britain. Prior to the widespread use of pottery, food was often stored and cooked in animal skins or woven baskets, which were difficult to clean and could harbor bacteria. Pottery vessels were much easier to clean and sterilize, making them a safer option for storing and preparing food.
In addition to its practical uses, pottery production on the potter's wheel was also an important artistic and cultural activity in pre-Roman Britain. Potters developed their own unique styles and techniques, and their pottery vessels often featured intricate designs and decorative motifs. The use of pottery vessels was also an important aspect of many religious and cultural practices in pre-Roman Britain.
Overall, the introduction of the potter's wheel had a profound impact on the economy, culture, and daily life of pre-Roman Britain. The ability to produce uniform and durable pottery vessels revolutionized the way that people stored, transported, and prepared food, and helped to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of disease. Additionally, pottery production on the potter's wheel became an important cultural activity, and helped to establish pottery as an important trade commodity in pre-Roman Britain.
there are different periods of pottery in prehistoric Britain that can help archaeologists and historians identify the age of the pots found.
In prehistoric Britain, archaeologists commonly identify pottery types based on their decorative styles, techniques, and the materials used to create them. By examining the type of pottery found at a site, archaeologists can determine the age of the site and the cultural and technological developments that were occurring at the time.
Here are some of the major pottery periods in prehistoric Britain:
Neolithic Period (4000-2500 BCE): During this period, pottery in Britain was typically coarse and unglazed. The pottery was made using a technique called "comb and cord," in which a comb-like tool was used to create impressions on the surface of the pot, and then the surface was smoothed using a cord-wrapped tool.
Bronze Age (2500-800 BCE): Pottery during the Bronze Age was typically more finely made and decorated than in previous periods. Bronze Age pottery was often decorated with geometric designs, and some vessels were adorned with human and animal figures.
Iron Age (800 BCE-43 CE): Pottery during the Iron Age was characterized by intricate and highly decorative designs. Iron Age pottery was often wheel-thrown, and the vessels were typically made using a technique called "grogging," in which crushed pottery was mixed with clay to create a stronger and more durable material.
Roman Period (43-410 CE): During the Roman Period, pottery in Britain was highly influenced by Roman styles and techniques. Roman pottery was often highly decorated, with intricate designs and bright colors. Roman pottery was also highly standardized, with certain shapes and designs being produced in large quantities for commercial use.
By examining the type of pottery found at a site and comparing it to known pottery types from different periods, archaeologists can determine the approximate age of the site and the cultural and technological developments that were occurring at the time.
During the Neolithic Period (4000-2500 BCE), pottery was typically made by hand using coiling techniques. However, there is evidence that rudimentary wheels were in use during this period, such as the use of pottery turntables for shaping and decorating vessels. These early wheels were likely hand-powered and used to create simple designs on pottery vessels.
In the Bronze Age (2500-800 BCE), there is evidence that the wheel became more widespread and advanced in Britain. Pottery vessels during this period were often made on a wheel that was turned by hand or by foot, and potters began using a technique called "throwing" to create vessels with more precise and uniform shapes. Bronze Age potters also began using new techniques, such as using molds to create pottery vessels with more complex shapes.
During the Iron Age (800 BCE-43 CE), pottery production in Britain continued to evolve, with new techniques and styles emerging. Potters began using grog (crushed pottery fragments) as a tempering material to strengthen pottery vessels, and the use of the potter's wheel became more widespread. Iron Age potters also began using new techniques, such as burnishing, to create smoother and more lustrous pottery surfaces.
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Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024
