PIXE–PIGE analysis of Carolingian period glass from Slovenia

Abstract

Glass artifacts excavated from the Late Roman and Carolingian period site at Bašelj Slovenia were analyzed by the combined PIXE–PIGE method using a proton beam in air. The results show that the majority of objects and glass ingots were made of traditional Roman, natron-type glass. Increased titanium and other impurities were found indicating that the glass had been recycled several times. As the composition of the ingots was similar to the other objects, a possibility exists of a secondary glass workshop in the local vicinity. The typologically and stratigraphically dated objects confirm that the Roman glassmaking continued in the area of Eastern Alps well into the 9th century.