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Provenance Studies on Pottery

in the Southern Central Mediterranean from the 6th to the 2nd c. B.C.

Facem (= Fabrics of the Central Mediterranean) is a database for specialists of Greek, Punic and Roman pottery. It aims to identify the provenance, distribution, and production technology of ceramic finds essential for the reconstruction and interpretation of broader socio-economic phenomena and ancient trade networks in the Mediterranean. FACEM's research methodology combines the examination of freshly broken ceramic samples at a macro- and microscopic level with archaeometric analyses. Since its first release in 2011, it has become a well-known research tool, supporting inter- and multidisciplinary scholarship by sharing thousands of high-resolution macro images and fabric descriptions. Currently, FACEM includes black glazed wares, fine wares, and terra sigillata, as well as transport amphorae, coarse wares, ceramic building materials, and terracotta objects from numerous production sites and regions in modern-day Spain, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Albania, Greece, and Turkey.

Over the last year, our team has been working on a new vision for FACEM that will be launched in 2024. By updating and redesigning our website, welcoming new research partners, and extending the chronological and geographical frame, we will open up avenues for research into an even wider range of pottery wares produced all over the Mediterranean between the 7th century B.C. and the 7th century A.D. So, stay tuned for the 9th release of FACEM!

If you are interested in contributing to the FACEM project, please read the "How to Contribute to FACEM" section on our "About FACEM" page.