The ceramic of the “Palace of the Copper Axes” (Khirbet al-Batrawy, Jordan). A palatial special production

Selected ceramic samples from the archeological site of Khirbet al-Batrawy (north-central Jordan), unearthed in the “Palace of the Copper Axes” (Early Bronze Age III, 2500–2300 BC), were analyzed with the aim to address their technology. These ceramics were characterized by means of a combined use of optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and electron microscopy (SEM–EDS). The results indicate that the main mineral inclusions are quartz and calcite, with minor amount of feldspar, pyroxene, olivine and gehlenite. Fragments of igneous and sedimentary rocks as well as grog (crushed ceramics) and fossil shells have also been identified. The mineral assemblage indicates that the maximum firing temperature of these sherds falls in the 700–850 °C thermal range. The presence of hematite supports the hypothesis of an oxidizing atmosphere of firing. The occurrence of sedimentary and magmatic rocks supports a local provenance of raw materials as these rocks outcrop in the vicinity of the archeological site. Concerning the microstructure, it is established the occurrence of ceramic fabrics not identified until now at the site, suggesting that they were exclusively produced for the Palace.