Unearthing ancient supply chains: anthropologists explore luxury pottery trade in the Assyrian Empire

New research led by Dr. Timothy Matney, professor of anthropology at The University of Akron, sheds light on the production and distribution of luxury goods in the ancient Assyrian Empire. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the study employs cutting-edge Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) to trace the origins of elite pottery known as "Palace Ware," providing insights into ancient trade networks and production methods.

The research focuses on pottery from the imperial center of Tushhan, located in present-day southeastern Turkey. By analyzing the trace elements in pottery fragments, Matney and his colleagues, Dr. Britt Hartenberger of Western Michigan University and Dr. James Davenport of the University of Missouri, identified the clay sources used to craft these luxury items. Their findings suggest that the pottery may have been produced locally, imported from the imperial heartland, or crafted in regional workshops under imperial influence.

"Long before Amazon, VISA and the modern global economy, the large-scale organization of supply chains, finance, production and distribution appear well established in the ancient world,” Matney explained. “Even 2,600 years ago, there was demand for luxury items like fine pottery for feasting and social status. Our research uncovers evidence of sophisticated supply chains, showcasing how the Assyrian Empire managed large-scale production and distribution with remarkable efficiency.”

Palace Ware, a hallmark of elite Assyrian dining, was found to share chemical similarities with pottery from major Assyrian capitals, including Nimrud and Nineveh. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of the empire and raises questions about the extent of centralized control over fineware production.

This study builds on decades of work at Tushhan, where Matney directed a major international archaeological project from 1997 to 2014. The PLOS ONE paper is the latest in a long series of presentations and interpretations by Matney’s team who have produced well over 150 articles, dissertations, theses, professional talks and an award-winning popular book.