A Crusader-Period Pithos-Type Jar from Petaḥ Tiqwa, Mulabbis

The Crusader-period (twelfth–thirteenth century CE) stratum uncovered at Mulabbis yielded a pithos broken into two halves and embedded in the ground. Both halves of the vessel exhibited remains of soot, indicating their use as sunken ovens or other fire-related installations. Pithoi are known to have commonly served as large stationary storage containers in domestic and commercial areas. While their primary use was for storing large quantities of dry or liquid foodstuffs, pithoi were commonly repurposed as ovens or hearths.