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‘Atiqot 76 (2013)
ISBN 2948-040X
The Fatimid, Crusader and Mamluk–Early Ottoman Ceramic Finds from the ‘Akko Marina: Some Insights into Medieval Maritime Activity
(pp. 139–168)
Edna J. Stern
Keywords: Mediterranean coast, Beirut Ware, Zeuxippus Ware, Zeuxippus Derivative Ware, incised monograms, maritime trade
Ceramic sherds, dating from the Fatimid, Crusader and Mamluk–early Ottoman periods (eleventh to c. sixteenth centuries CE), were found while deepening the ‘Akko Marina. Of the Fatimid period, only a cooking bowl and a glazed bowl are represented. The pottery dating to the Crusader period consists of different types of glazed bowls, cooking ware, amphorae, a lid and oil lamps. The few sherds from the Mamluk–early Ottoman period belong to glazed vessels. The pottery retrieved from the ‘Akko Marina might have originated in trade, served as ballast, or may have arrived with pilgrims, merchants or other individuals who came to ‘Akko by ship. The various geographical origins of the ceramic wares attest to the wide range and diverse character of ‘Akko’s maritime commercial ties in the Crusader period, and to the city’s cosmopolitan character. The great quantities of imported ceramics reflect the numerous ships that arrived at the port of ‘Akko in the twelfth, and mainly thirteenth century, sailing the Mediterranean.