Archaeometric characterization of Roman volcanic millstones from Messina territory (Sicily, Italy)

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of petrochemical study of Roman cereal millstones and relative elements made of volcanic rocks, found in various archaeological sites of Messina. Fifteen samples dating from the III century AD and one from the second, also dating from the II–III centuries AD, were characterized through archaeological, petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical approach. On the petrochemical point of view the raw materials of the studied millstones are mainlyvolcanic rock characterized by Na-alkaline affinity with intraplate geochemical signature. Only two samples belonging to the K-alkaline seires showing volcanic arc signature. Comparison with literature data of similar volcanic rocks, allowed to constrain the volcanic site of provenance. Most of the intraplate samples are mugearites and benmoreites from Mt. Etna, the other are peralkaline-trachyte from Pantelleria Island and alkaline basalt from Linosa Island. The two arc-type samples derived instead from Islands of the Aeolian Archipelago. The petrochemical study of millstones improve the archaeological research, confirming the ancient communication routes and trade networks in the Mediterranean Region and highlighted the use of volcanic rocks from Sicilian area, during the Roman period, as very important sources of raw materials for millstones.