The potter was an important person who made jars, jugs, pots, mugs and other household items needed in the medieval household. In the Nordic towns there were not very many potters, because most ceramics were imported from other regions of Europe. In Western Germany, near the River Rhein (the Rhine in English), enormous amounts of jugs, bowls, mugs and jars were made. The shape and looks of the clay vessels changed according to fashion. Today, potsherds from these vessels can be found at archaeological excavations in towns all over Europe.