Abstract
In a rescue excavation of a Roman funerary complex located at the city of Patras, Achaia, Greece, an assemblage of high quality glass vessels of the 2nd-3rd c. AD was recovered. Here we present the results from the physicochemical examination of the collection using a combination of non-destructive techniques, namely optical microscopy, portable X-Ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques. The analyses resulted in the chemical characterization of the glass samples and the identification of a rare example of soda plant-ash glass. Moreover, madder lake was identified as the original content of several glass vessels. Finally, the effect of the original content on the corrosion processes was investigated, along with issues of biocorrosion. Statement of significance The interdisciplinary study of an assemblage of 2nd-3rd c. AD Roman funerary vessel glasses from Patras, Greece is reported. The archaeological and archaeometric study of Roman glass in south and central Greece has so far been limited. The present work is the first attempt to examine the complete chaîne opératoire of Roman funerary glass vessels, using a multi-technique approach. More specifically, the basic aims of the study were (1) the chemical characterization of the glass and the determination of the raw materials used; (2) the determination of the original content of the vessels; and (3) the examination of the corrosion effects on the glass.
Highlights
The city of Patras, located in the northwest Peloponnese, Greece, underwent a period of intense expansion and growth during the 2nd c
We present the results from the physicochemical examination of the collection using a combination of non-destructive techniques, namely optical microscopy, portable XRay Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques
The analyses resulted in the chemical characterization of the glass samples and the identification of a rare example of soda plant-ash glass
Summary
The city of Patras, located in the northwest Peloponnese, Greece, underwent a period of intense expansion and growth during the 2nd c. AD include a large number of luxurious glass items, which have so far received limited attention both from an archaeological and an archaeometric point of view (Kolonas 2002). The assumption of local glassworking is further supported by the presence of glass wastes and glass making tools (Triantafyllidis 2006; Triantafyllidis 2007). It is generally considered probable by the excavators and the archaeological community of Patras that, apart from glassworking, there was a local glass production industry, though no glassmaking workshop has been identified so far. Importation of glass was still conducted on a large scale, originating either from Mesopotamia or Italy (Liritzis et al 1997)
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