The TYPO Project investigated ceramic production in the Tyrrhenian region from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period, adopting a long-term perspective with particular attention to the relationships between production, technology, consumption, and the circulation of ceramic artefacts.

The research examined archaeological contexts and ceramic assemblages from several regional areas bordering or connected to the Tyrrhenian basin, through the collaboration of research units from the University of Molise, University of Genoa, University of Pisa, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, University of Calabria, University of Catania, and University of Sassari. The project aimed to reconstruct production dynamics, exchange networks, technological developments, and the persistence or transformation of ceramic traditions over time.

The project adopted an interdisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological analysis, typological and decorative studies, archaeometric investigations, digital documentation, and data management systems.

Main Objectives
1. Improve the diachronic understanding of medieval and post-medieval ceramics through the study of the historical mechanisms of production and consumption.
2. Identify exchange networks and assess the impact of trade on economic and social contexts, with particular attention to specific macro-regional areas.
3. Digitally document ceramic artefacts using technologies such as laser profilometry and 3D photogrammetry, wherever possible.
4. Carry out archaeometric analyses, including SEM/EDS and chemical analyses, in order to characterize ceramic fabrics and identify production centres.
5. Create an open-access digital repository, accessible through webGIS platforms, using catalogue records compliant with ICCD standards and aligned with the most advanced European practices.
6. Develop a shared thesaurus for terminology standardization, based on Linked Open Data vocabularies such as the Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT), ArchAIDE, and ARIADNE Plus.
7. Promote dissemination activities, public archaeology initiatives, and community engagement.

Methodology and Operational Phases
1. Data collection and cataloguing: creation of dedicated records for archaeological sites, ceramic artefacts, photographs, drawings, bibliographic references, and archival documentation.
2. Archaeometric analyses: mineralogical, petrographic, and chemical characterization of ceramic samples.
3. Digital documentation: photographic recording and graphic documentation.
4. WebGIS platform: development of an open, georeferenced, and searchable digital archive.
5. Thesaurus and interoperability: standardization of terminology and integration with Linked Open Data vocabularies.
6. Dissemination: development of a bilingual website, open-access publications, public archaeology activities, and outreach tools designed for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The Database
One of the project’s principal outcomes was the development of a database designed to collect, organize, and provide access to the data produced by the participating research units.
The database includes information on:
1. Archaeological contexts and provenance sites;
2. Ceramic artefacts, vessel forms, and decorative features;
3. Technological and production classes;
4. Archaeometric data;
5. Production centres;
6. Bibliographic references and supporting documentation.

The system architecture was designed to facilitate data consultation and comparison according to chronological, geographical, and thematic criteria. Integration with geospatial tools also makes it possible to relate ceramic artefacts to their archaeological contexts as well as to production and distribution areas.

Project Outcomes
The project established a comprehensive documentary and analytical framework for the study of Tyrrhenian ceramic production and its regional and interregional connections.
The collected data provide new insights into the relationships between technology, production, and consumption; enable the distinction between local productions and imports; identify exchange and distribution networks; and offer new perspectives for research into the material culture of the medieval, early modern, and contemporary periods.
The database represents a valuable resource for future research, heritage enhancement, and scientific dissemination.

Funding
This project was funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 – Education and Research, Component 2 – From Research to Business, Investment 1.1 – National Research Programme Fund and Projects of Significant National Interest (PRIN).