Explore the intersection of mineralogy and archaeology in this 26-minute talk by Gilberto Artioli from the University of Padova. Delve into the field of archaeometry as applied to ancient ceramics, covering topics from traditional archaeological methods to modern analytical techniques. Discover the importance of ceramics in archaeological research, the technology behind their production, and the role of mineralogy in understanding their composition. Learn about the evolution of pottery from early examples to Renaissance ceramics, and gain insights into firing conditions and material science. Examine how molecular archaeology and geochemistry contribute to unraveling the secrets of ancient ceramic artifacts.