Glass Bottles from the 16th Century to the 19th Century in the Old Town of Klaipėda: Data from Archaeological Excavations
Volume 16 (2011): Settlements and Towns, pp. 152–167
Pub. online: 20 September 2012
Type: Article
Open Access
Received
2 November 2011
2 November 2011
Revised
15 December 2011
15 December 2011
Accepted
20 December 2011
20 December 2011
Published
20 September 2012
20 September 2012
Abstract
The article analyses material related to glass bottles excavated in Klaipėda (Memel) Old Town. Firstly, this is material from Žvejų St 4 and 6, and the area around Tomo, Didžiojo Vandens, Vežėjų and Pasiuntinių streets. Early glass bottles found in this area could even date from the 16th century, whereas the peak in the local consumption of beverages in bottles is related to the second half of the 18th century and the 19th century. Four major types of local glass bottles are distinguished in this work. Subtypes of extant or partly restored bottles are also introduced. Attempts are made throughout the entire research to answer the questions how much and in what way the bottles discovered in Klaipėda Old Town reflect general patterns of lifestyle in Western and Central Europe in the context of modern times.