General Information

‘Port St. Symeon ware’ include a rather limited range of glazed tableware, mainly bowls and plates, some closed vessels and oil lamps. Their decorative techniques are rather limited, however the main one, consisting of incisions and addition of green and yellow/brown glaze, has a rather large repertoire of motives, including geometric, vegetal, and human and zoomorphic depictions (Stern 2012:55–58, Type NSY.GL.4,Fig. 4.19:b, c, Pls. 4.32–4.38). Archaeometry analyses of ceramics found in the Kingdom of Jerusalem have shown that they were produced in the Antiochian region (Boas 1991:208-210; Goren 1997:72-73), the results from Acre identified at least two different petrographical groups (Shapiro 2012). Different chemical groups were also distinguished, indicating multiple production regions (Blackman and Redford ; however addition research for this type is required). Originally named after the Latin name of the site where it was first distinguished, al-Mina (the port of Antioch), as large quantities as well as kiln wasters were excavated there (Lane 1937:45-53). Its wide distribution in the Latin East led Pringle to suggest in the 1980’s that this “the Crusader pottery par excellence”. Since, kiln wasters and other indications of production have been identified at other various sites near or on the sea in the Principality of Antioch and in the neighboring Kingdom of Armenian Cilicia, at Antioch, Kinet, Sardis, Misis and Epiphaneia. In addition, new ceramic evidence has indicated that it is a clear continuation of local production prior to the thirteenth century, and that its production continued after the fall of the principality, as well as it being produced also outside of its boundaries, questioning its Crusader affiliation. Therefore, today it is recognized as a more complex ware.