The quartz grains in a pottery matrix undergo a profound change in their thermoluminescent property during the kiln firing. These changes may be related to the crystal lattice of the mineral. The pre-dose sensitization effect is studied as a function of the firing temperature attained during the making of the pottery. The change produced by the firing is found to have a unique relation to the temperature of the firing. This property can be used to determine the kiln firing temperature of archaeological pottery. Initial work on some ancient pottery sherds has shown firing temperatures between 700 and 900°C. The method is capable of determining the firing temperature within an accuracy of a few tens of degrees. See also AATA 19-549. -- AATA