Kiln construction and use in Greece: communicating technical knowledge

Ancient kilns found in Greece are of the up-draught type and occur in two basic forms, circular and rectangular, with various arrangements to the structure of combustion chambers. Rarely is any direct evidence of the superstructure preserved. This paper examines the technological similarities between these kilns and the practical issues faced by potters in firing them. Potters learnt to control the firing process through a range of practices that leave few or no archaeological traces on the kiln structures. It is argued that differences found in most archaeological remains of kiln structures probably reflect cultural rather than technological distinctions. The transmission of technical knowledge on firing practices is therefore better reflected in the resulting pottery rather than kiln architecture.