Herodian-Style Cooking Pots

As summer comes to a close, and the weather begins to cool slightly, it is a good time to think about spending time outdoors and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over an open campfire. This way of cooking is nothing new; people have been cooking over fires for thousands of years.

Clay cooking pots appear throughout the archaeological record, distinct from other forms of pottery by their unique rounded shape and by the color and texture of the clay. The bottoms of many cooking pots are charred, evidence of the flames that licked the bottom of the pot, heating its contents.

Soups and stews were dietary staples throughout much of antiquity, and cooking pots were in high demand. The cooking pot would be set over either an open fire or a fire contained in a clay oven, where the soup could bubble merrily away, melding the flavors of the legumes and vegetables that had been added to it.

“And [Elisha] said to his servant, ‘Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.’”
– 2 Kings 4:38

Herodian-Style Cooking Pots

During the time of Jesus, Herodian-style cooking pots were very popular. These cooking pots are typically made of pinkish clay. They have ribbed surfaces that strengthen the thin walls of the cooking pots. They feature bulbous bodies, rounded bases, upright rims, and two small handles. Such cooking pots are found in archaeological excavations across Israel.

These cooking pots are a good reminder of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings, but Martha was too busy with serving to stop and listen. Martha probably owned several such cooking pots and used them regularly.

“But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?’”
– Luke 10:40