Several general instrumental methods (in particular. those involving thermal analyses - TG. DTA and TMA) were used to analyze a number of terracotta materials from different periods (prehistoric. Roman: Renaissance). The information obtained enabled factors related to certain evolutionary trends in terracotta technology to be identified. Considerable importance uas attached to determining characteristics providing information regarding several terracotta processing and production technologies in the various historical periods and geographical areas considered. The parameters best suited to this type of investigation were also investigated and identified.