While pottery may not be the first thing people think about for Ancient Egypt, recent studies have shown its value for understanding the past. In particular, scientific methods such as ceramic petrography that uses a microscope have provided great clarity on the movement of pottery vessels to Egypt and throughout the country. In the Bronze Age, commodities such as wine, olive oil, and tree resin were imported to Egypt from the Near East in large ceramic containers. Petrographic study of some of these vessels from the site of Qantir, the capital of Egypt during the latter part of the Late Bronze Age, highlighted the extent of trade and identified specific trade partners. In comparison to trade in the Middle Bronze Age, there is a notable expansion as Egypt extended its influence in the Near East. Such information provides a counter-balance to the typically militaristic view of this period and reveals that economic interests were often maintained despite political turmoil.