The reason of the collapse of an ancient kiln in Egnazia from mineralogical and thermal analysis of ceramic finds

Two kilns, one of which collapsed during firing cycle together with its entire pottery load, have been excavated at the Egnazia site in Southern Italy. To understand the reason for the collapse, 'Broad Line' typology pottery finds were analysed by complementary analytical techniques. Analytical results not only suggest as cause of collapse sudden overheating in kiln due to uncontrolled increases in temperature, but also indicate a good technological cycle from the recovery of raw materials to the manufacturing and firing process, which tends to disprove the common assumption of non-professional production.