Pottery sherds from Iraq and Turkey (6000 BC-750 AD) have been examined using SEM and gave evidence of the internal morphology developed during firing and on the degree of vitrification and pore structure. The extent of vitrification is a useful index of quality of the Pottery. Also, refiring the sherds to known temperatures and subsequent SEM examination enabled an estimate to be made of the original firing temperature of the pottery. All sherds examined showed some vitrification (firing temps. 850°-1050; c) but Ubäid pottery exhibits total vitrification (from 1050° to over 1150° c). -- AATA