Banias ware is the local coarse ware of the metropolitan region of Caesarea Philippi, in the northeastern Hula Valley. It is pale pink to light orange in color, unslipped, with fabric and surface generally the same color, sometimes with a pale yellowish core. In the early phases of production a wider range of shapes are produced, including cooking vessels, jugs, bowls, and possibly lids. At some point in the 2nd c. CE, cooking vessels disappear, possibly because such vessels began to be made in Hula Valley early-mid Roman Sunset Ware, which was more suited for the production of cooking vessels. In the 3rd and 4th c. CE, this ware is mostly represented by small (5-6 cm diameter) and large (16-18 cm diameter) bowls with a variety of rim...
A well-levigated, slightly chalky feeling fabric, with frequent very small lime flecks, very small circular voids, and the occasional small rounded red and grey inclusion. In the late Roman period the vessels have a somewhat more powdery feel.
