Pottery Production and Circulation in Northern Africa from Late Antiquity to the Post-Medieval Period – 6th-18th Century CE

The Third Thematic Conference of the AIECM3
(Association Internationale pour l’Étude des Céramiques Médiévales et Modernes en Méditerranée).

Tunis-Oudhna
Tues 2nd – Thurs 4th December 2025

Northern Africa’s southern Mediterranean coast, from Morocco to Egypt, has been a cultural and economic hub, with pottery serving as a key indicator of historical changes, especially during Late Antiquity. Central North Africa was a major producer of African Red Slip ware and amphorae, but local and regional pottery, trans-desert trade, and production in areas like Algeria, Libya, and Morocco are less studied.

Post-Late Antiquity, ceramic production and trade networks shifted, yet the 8th and 9th centuries remain under-researched due to limited archaeological data. Emerging evidence suggests continued regional production and external connections, challenging notions of economic decline. From the 10th century, glazed wares reflected technological and domestic changes, while cooking wares and amphorae were overlooked.

The Fatimid commercial revolution boosted trade, with North Africa supplying new ceramic forms and facilitating goods circulation, including Chinese imports via Egypt. However, from the 12th century onward, ceramic studies focus heavily on glazed tableware, neglecting other categories. The historiographical emphasis on maritime powers like Venice and Genoa often overshadows North Africa’s role in Mediterranean commerce and ceramic innovation.

This conference aims to bring together researchers to reassess and enrich our understanding of North African pottery production, which has been underrepresented in recent AIECM3 congresses. The goal is to identify gaps in current knowledge of this long and transformative period, foster collaboration, and define priorities for future research. Many studies and projects currently focus on this part of the Mediterranean, and we believe the time is right to bring these efforts together and stimulate a forward-looking academic dialogue.

Organisers:
Viva Sacco – UCL
Chokri Touihri – INP
Corisande Fenwick – UCL

Contributions: Contributions will consist of oral presentations and posters, and will feature both invited speakers and submissions via an open call.

For further information about this event, including the Call for Papers, please click here