Pottery fragments scattered 22m with variable burn patterns. Same pottery vessel fragments found up to 22 meters apart Fragments found at different vertical levels in the matrix Pieces of same vessel show different scorch patterns: some completely black, some medium, some with line scorch marks, some untouched
Investigators recovered fragments from the same pottery vessel up to 22 meters apart at Tell el-Hammam, and at different vertical levels within the destruction matrix — clear evidence of violent, explosive scattering. Even more revealing, pieces from the same vessel show drastically different burn patterns: some completely blackened, others medium-burned, some showing line scorch marks, and some seemingly untouched. Researchers use decoration patterns to track vessel fragments across the site, with these variations likely reflecting where fragments landed within the airburst matrix — next to burning debris or non-burning material.
Key Facts
- Same pottery vessel fragments found up to 22 meters apart
- Fragments found at different vertical levels in the matrix
- Pieces of same vessel show different scorch patterns: some completely black, some medium, some with line scorch marks, some untouched
- Variations due to position within the airburst matrix when items landed next to burning or non-burning debris
- Decoration patterns used to track vessel fragments across the site
Related site: Tell el-Hammam — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Melted Brick, Airborne Pottery, Bones Burned - The Destruction Layer at Tal el-Hammam by The Cosmic Summit