Development of a multi-analytical approach for the characterization of ancient Roman lead ingots

Abstract

In the present work the characterization of six ingots of ancient Roman Lead, found on the seabed near Mal Di Ventre Isle (Sardinia-Italy), is presented. The ingots come from three different foundries, defined by following codes found on the particular ingots selves: SOCPONTILIENORUMMF, QAPPCF and MCPONTILIENORUMMF. The foundries were active about 2000 years ago in Sierra de Cartagena (Spain) where some of the most important lead mines of the Roman Empire were located. In order to identify the provenance of the ingots and to shed some lights on their manufacturing we applied a multi-analytical method, based on instrumental neutron activation analysis and thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Coupling the two techniques it was possible to obtain an accurate multi-elemental and isotopical fingerprint of the different ingots, giving some important results in the field of archeo-metallurgy. The possibility to perform such measurements with a non-destructive approach satisfies a very important request of the cultural heritage authorities involved in the protection and conservation of similar goods.