A Potter at His Wheel in Hebron Notice: This photo is
copyrighted by Dennis Bratcher and is not available for public
use. A potter was a common occupation in the Biblical world (Jer
18:3-4). While the very rich could afford vessels of silver,
gold, carved stone, or even of glass by Roman times, most people
used common fired clay vessels for everyday use and storage (2
Tim 2:20). These might range from simple plates or cups to very
large pots for storing grain or wine (in the Roman era called
amphora). Besides kitchen utensils, many other items were made
of pottery, such as lamps, pitchers, buttons, toys and games,
and molded figurines that served as idols. Although fired clay
pottery was relatively brittle and could be broken if struck, it
was extremely durable. It could keep contents nearly watertight
and resisted decay and corrosion. Many clay vessels have been
discovered that are in excess of 5,000 years old. Many of the
fragile parchments of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found preserved
in huge clay jars that