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Photo by David Harris

Pottery, perhaps the most abundant manufactured material in the ancient world, was first introduced in the Near East during the Yarmukian period. Archaeologists have found more than 20 different kinds of clay vessels at Sha‘ar Hagolan, including several two-handled storage jars like the one shown here (compare with photos of obsidian, flint arrowheads and sherds). The Yarmukians probably used their ceramic ware for basic household activities like food preparation, cooking, food serving and storage.