To summarise, what can the ceramic assemblage tell us? Combining the archaeology with the textual sources can reveal a lot. Even this brief analysis of the ceramic assemblage has revealed some interesting trends that can be followed up on in later research. More detailed information on the ceramics found at the houses can be linked to sources informing us about diet and dishes being eaten. For example; we know that bread was a staple together with soups and broths. This could perhaps be what bowls were used for. We know that food was often shared from larger plates using ones hands. These might be the function of the dishes we find.

 

The absence of the chafing dish in the later period, which was so common during earlier Byzantine period in the houses is another aspect worthy of more research. The function of these vessels could be cooking but also to keep food warm. Is there a change in eating habits or diet that can be linked with this disappearance of the chafing dish here?

 

Analysis of human remains, faunal assemblages and archaeo-botanical analysis could shed further analysis on diet and of course residue analysis of the vessels themselves could reveal what was being eaten/served in the vessels.

 

It is hoped that it has become clear that by combining different sources a deeper understanding can be gained from our archaeological materials. It was very rewarding to read into the period sources and to learn about the every day life of Byzantine people; their living arrangements and diets. It makes for a much richer and colourful picture of the people inhabiting these houses in the past.