Abstract

The paper presents the results of a functional study of Late Roman unguentaria from Hierapolis of Phrygia, which includes the chemical characterisation of organic residues found in 30 stamped vessels by means of the GC-MS technique. Evidence from recent archaeological and archaeometric analyses suggests that LRUs were manufactured in western Anatolia.
 The study, centred on the identification of chemical biomarkers, aims to understand the formulation of the actual contents of the unguentaria, together with the production techniques used for balms and ointments. A key substance present in the LRUs analysed is storax resin, obtained from Liquidambar orientalis, a deciduous tree endemic to south-western Turkey and the island of Rhodes. The pharmacological characteristics of storax resin – well known in antiquity for its healing properties – are also discussed.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.