Jerusalem International Convention Center (JICC)
1st c. BCE-2nd c. CE
Late Hellenistic, Roman
Casserole/Lopas, Cooking pot, Cooking ware jug, Flask, Jar, bag-shaped, Juglet, Lamp, and Stand, short
This site encompasses an enormous zone of workshops, at least 4.5 ha, located on the western side of the modern city of Jerusalem, at and around the sites of a former Hilton Hotel and the current Jerusalem International Convention Center (Hebrew Binyane Ha'uma). Another kiln that is part of this same large complex is the Crowne Plaza Car Park, located at the site of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel's parking lot. Many campaigns have taken place here, beginning in 1949, resumed in 1968, again in 1992, and again from 2009-2011. The earliest evidence for production - kilns, settling pits, and wasters - dates from the very late second/early first centuries BCE, at which time potters began producing cooking pots with globular bodies and high necks. In the later first century they began also making new forms of cooking pots along with cooking jugs, flasks, small bowls, and lamps. Production continued until the destruction of the city by the Romans in 70 CE, at which time the site was turned into a legionary kiln works operated by the Roman Tenth Legion. The legionary potters built new facilities for the production of bricks, tiles, and water pipes, as well as household vessels: cooking pots and pans (including those of orlo bifido and Pompeian red ware styles), mortaria, and delicate, occasionally decorated serving dishes.
General view of area of the Binyane Ha'uma workshops
Aerial view of the Binyane Ha'uma workshops
View of kiln in the Binyane Ha'uma workshops
plan of the Binyane Ha'uma workshops
