Technological features of glazed Protomajolica ware from Benevento (Italy)

The production of glazed ceramics in Italy started in 13th century, following Islamic tradition and techniques. Protomajolica samples from two medieval archaeological sites in Benevento were analyzed from mineralogical and petrographical points of view to identify and characterize the local production of fine glazed wares. Samples are represented by jugs, amphorae, bowls and dishes finely decorated and covered by thin inner and/or outer glazed surfaces. The colour of almost all the investigated sherds varies from creamy to orange even though, from the same archaeological levels, dark grey coloured ceramic fragments likely affected by overburning of the paste (kiln refuses) were collected.Optical microscopy observations, chemical (XRF) and physical (XRD) analyses allowed to reconstruct the steps of the manufacture process, and to identify a homogeneous group of samples likely belonging to a local production area of Protomajolica, a ceramic class widespread over the Central-Southern Italy between the 13th and the 15th century.