Abstract

The intersection of water-based ecosystems and the early coastal civilization’s technology is still a captivating discipline of study. This paper analyzes the extent to which shorelines and freshwater bodies shaped the capabilities in the crafting of pottery and knives in different coastal communities. This work examines the implications of environmental factors, including the presence of minerals, salinity, and humidity, as well as the configuration of the trade routes, on material selection and methods of production, drawing from archaeological, geochemical, and ethnographic studies across the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Archipelagos. Coastal pottery and clay, especially when made from clays deposited in coastal regions in significantly denser and mineralized portions of the marine sediments, became more durable and visually striking. Additionally, the marine abundance and saltwater corrosion on blades motivated the enhancement of alloyed and patterned blades for fishing, trade, and warfare. The independent emergence of comparable technological advancements across distinct oceanic cultures is illustrated by integrated research on artifacts, remains from pyrolysis, and metallurgy.

Keywords: Aquatic environments, Coastal civilizations, Ancient pottery, Knifemaking, Material culture, Environmental adaptation, Archaeometallurgy, Ceramic technology, Maritime archaeology