Neutron resonance capture and neutron diffraction analysis of Roman bronze water taps

Abstract

Parts of four Roman bronze water taps, excavated in The Netherlands consisting of two cylinders and two cylinder housings, were non-destructively investigated by neutron resonance capture analysis and by time-of-flight neutron diffraction. The two complementary neutron methods have been, for the first time, combined for providing a comprehensive alloy characterization of intact, undisturbed archaeological bronze objects. Bulk chemical analyses and phase analyses of the copper alloys were carried out in order to establish relations and differences among the taps, and to address questions of standardization and fabrication.