A recent discovery during a rescue excavation at Corso Tukory 107 in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) revealed a significant Islamic archaeological context from the second half of the 10th century to the first half of the 11th century, coinciding with the rule of the Kalbids. The site was exposed during urban redevelopment activities, and it offers a unique insight into Islamic Sicily’s material culture through a compact layer rich in ceramics and zooarchaeological remains. These findings, primarily consisting of pottery fragments and animal bones, reflect the everyday life and consumption practices in Balarm / Madīnat Ṣiqilliyya (Palermo). Analysis of the pottery revealed a variety of tableware, transport and storage vessels, and cooking wares, showing a high degree of homogeneity within functional classes and indicating sophisticated food habits and economic complexity. Diagnostic pieces were scrutinized through quantitative and qualitative methods, providing a comprehensive overview of ceramic types prevalent in Islamic Palermo, alongside comparisons with contemporary urban, suburban, and rural contexts across Sicily and in Ifrīqiya. Zooarchaeological analysis underscored the predominance of caprines in the diet, alongside notable tuna remains, reflecting specialized fishing techniques and the dietary significance of tuna consumption. The absence of pork remains aligns with Islamic dietary laws, further substantiating the Islamic identity of the inhabitants of this sector of the city of Palermo, just outside the medieval city walls. By integrating ceramic and zooarchaeological data, this study offers a nuanced perspective on the material culture of Islamic Sicily, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its socio-economic dynamics and cultural practices and contributing to the understanding of daily life in Islamic Sicily.
Barba et al. (Wed,) studied this question.