Archaeometric Characterization Research Articles

The pavement layers of the Southwest Church of Umm el-Jimal, Jordan: stratigraphy and archaeometric characterization

The pavement layers of the Southwest Church of Umm el-Jimal, Jordan: stratigraphy and archaeometric characterization

Archaeometric characterization of chlorite-based manufacturing waste from workshop areas of the Konar Sandal South Complex, Jiroft (Kerman, Iran, 3rd millennium BCE)

Sixteen small samples of fragmentary “chlorite” containers, coming from three different workshop sites of the Konar Sandal South network (Iran), were analyzed using a multianalytical approach, consisting in thin-section petrography and mineralogical characterization by X-ray powder diffraction. This preliminary study singled out at least two major different mineralogical groups, suggesting that different craft groups, possibly in different times, exploited different local sources of chloritic rocks. Results also indicates that the surroundings of Konar Sandal South, the main urban hub of the Halil valley, were involved – probably for several centuries – in the production of three major different classes of stone pots (cylindrical vessels with intricate geometric patterns, plain bell-shaped bowls and incised série récente vessels).

Archaeometric characterization and restoration proposal for filling mortars of Oshki (Öşvank) church

In order to ensure the sustainability of cultural, historical and architectural heritage, preserving and restoring historical buildings and transferring them to future generations is one of the important issues of today. Restoration decisions regarding the repairs of historical buildings are of great importance in this context. Developing correct intervention decisions requires the thorough analysis of the structure, the determination of the structural and material properties meticulously, and the use the most appropriate materials for repairing it. However, only physical and chemical analyses are not sufficient to determine material properties of historical buildings; therefore, archaeometric analyses are needed to determine them more appropriately. In this study, it is aimed to determine the components and characteristics of the filling mortars of Oshki (Öşvank) Church, one of the most magnificent structures of the Eastern Anatolia region, in order to preserve the masonry structure and guide the restoration studies in the light of archaeometric analyses. The raw material properties of the samples taken from the filling mortars of the church were determined by the physical, chemical and petrographic analyses. As a result of the analyses, the aggregate-binding properties of Oshki Church filler mortars were determined. It was revealed that the aggregate content was determined as petrographic, lime was used as a binder and all samples contained pozzolan whereas no cement was used in any of the samples, and the samples did not contain marble rice/powder and organic additives like oil, protein etc. It has also been observed that the aggregate in the mortar content is compatible with the geological formations of near surrounding of the church. In this context, this study emphasizes the importance of archaeometric analysis in restoration of historical buildings. Moreover, differing from other studies in the literature, this study proposes mortar recipe to be used in the restoration of the church, which can pioneer to future studies in the field of architectural restoration.

Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms to Discriminate Two Similar Marble Varieties, A Case Study

A multi-analytical approach is usually applied in provenance studies of archaeological marbles. However, for very similar marble varieties, additional techniques and approaches are required. This paper uses a case study to illustrate this with two Catalan marble districts (Gualba and Ceret) and three sets of archaeological marbles. The common multi-method approach is unable to discriminate between the two districts, and such distinction is only partially glimpsed using unsupervised multivariate data analyses on a transformed geochemical dataset of reference samples. In contrast, several supervised classification models have been successfully trained to discriminate between the quarries without any special data transformation. All the trained models agree to assign the three sets of archaeological samples to the Gualba quarry district. Additional outcomes of the paper are a comprehensive archaeometric characterization of the little-known marbles of Gualba and Ceret and the first archaeometrically supported evidence of the use of Gualba marble during Roman and Medieval times.

Archaeometric Characterisation and Assessment of Conservation State of Coins: The Case-Study of a Selection of Antoniniani from the Hoard of Cumae (Campania Region, Southern Italy)

The paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins (antoniniani) from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae (Southern Italy) during archaeological campaigns by the Centre Jean Bérard. A multi-analytical approach consisting of non-destructive techniques (stereomicroscopy, FESEM-EDS, pXRF, Raman, μ-CT) was implemented on the better-preserved coins of the treasure in order to investigate the chemical composition of the alloy. Chemical analysis showed that the Roman mint prepared the metal with an argentiferous lead–bronze alloy. A group of coins presents a low content of the precious metal, which is in agreement with the financial crisis of the Roman Empire of the third century. Another group of two coins shows a higher silver content, which is in agreement with their issue or with the Mediolanum mint standards. In addition, the external layers of corroded coins were analysed to explore the state of conservation of the patina and to identify the corrosion products. Some typical corrosion patinas due to post-depositional conditions were identified. The mineralogical characterisation of the corrosion products enables us to implement adequate conservation strategies, and the presence of more aggressive patinas suggests immediate interventions.

Archaeometric Characterization of Raw Materials and Tempers of Bricks Used in the Brick Tombs during Ungjin Period of Baekje

Archaeometric Characterization of Raw Materials and Tempers of Bricks Used in the Brick Tombs during Ungjin Period of Baekje

THE FIRST ARCHAEOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LATE ROMAN PERIOD BRICKS IN THE DNIESTER RIVER BASIN IN COMPARISON WITH EARLY MEDIEVAL MATERIAL

The paper presents the results on archaeometric characterization of a test sample of building materials from the settlements of the Late Roman period Komariv and Buzovytsia-1 in the middle course of the Dniester river. The parameters of raw material and technology of bricks from the two sites are compared and the first reconstruction of features of operational chains are offered. Also, the first comparison of the Late Roman period materials with same-function artifacts of the Middle Ages (Old Rus’ Culture) has been made. The development of petrographic and geochemical classification of archaeological building ceramics from the sites of the Central and South-West Ukraine was started.

Archaeometric Characterization of Wall Paintings from Isera and Ventotene Roman Villas

The authors present the first results of an archaeometric research project set up by the Rovereto Civic Museum Foundation in collaboration with MUSE–Trento Science Museum, aiming at analysing and comparing Roman plasters from different sites in order to highlight similarities and differences related to the preparation and realization of Roman wall renderings. The data concern the characterization of plaster samples from the Roman Villa of Isera and Ventotene (northern and central Italy) by means of a thin-section mineropetrographic examination under an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Archaeometric characterization of glass and a carnelian bead to study trade networks of two Swahili sites from the Ibo Island (Northern Mozambique)

A representative set of glass from mostly Indo-Pacific type beads and other materials including a carnelian bead from two Swahili sites of the Ibo Island at Northern Mozambique has been archaeometrically characterized to get insights into its likely provenance within the framework of the Indian Ocean trade networks. Selected samples were examined and analyzed by using binocular magnifying glass, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, visible spectrophotometry and X-ray diffraction. Up to four different types of glasses were identified according to its chemical composition: mineral-soda alumina glass from Western India, vegetal-soda alumina glass from Central Asia, a conventional soda-lime silicate glass coming probably from Europe and a lead silicate glass of the PbO-SiO2 binary system most likely from Venice. Red and yellow colours were obtained through colloidal chromophores: cuprite micro-crystals for red brick and lead stannate and/or lead antimoniate micro-crystals for yellow, while deep blue, greenish blue and yellowish colours were obtained through ionic chromophores. Either the carnelian bead or the different types of glass are imported materials resulting from Swahili trade networks of the Indian Ocean, since no evidence of glass production or recycling has been found in archaeological fieldwork.

The production of western Greek amphorae in Agrigento (Southern Sicily): An archaeometric and archaeological characterisation of the late 6th-4th centuries BCE series

This paper aims at an interdisciplinary, archaeological and archaeometric characterisation of the western Greek amphorae series produced in late Archaic and Classical-period Agrigento (southern Sicily). The research is based on a macroscopic examination, according to the standardised methods of Fabrics of the Central Mediterranean (FACEM), combined with petrographic analyses of 21 amphorae samples of presumed local fabric found in Agrigento itself. These were found in the artisanal area outside Porta V, in the excavations South of the temple of Zeus, and in several Sicilian consumption sites. Furthermore, a selection of 12 coarse ware samples and three tiles, all of supposed local manufacture and unearthed in Agrigento, has been investigated. For comparison, 12 raw clays sampled in the gullies between the Tempio di Giunone and the Tempio della Concordia have been included in this study and are complimented by chemical analyses (ICP-MS and ICP/OES) undertaken on a group of 19 ceramic samples and seven raw materials. As a result, our study confirms the local manufacture of the entire selection of 36 ceramic samples and the more than acceptable petrographic and chemical homogeneity of the ceramic pastes produced with locally sourced clays. The identification of a production of western Greek wine (?) amphorae in Agrigento dating from the late 6th-4th century BCE breaks ground for a better understanding of the colony’s economic development during the late Archaic and Classical periods. The city has to be regarded, in fact, as one of the major global players within the wider frame of Sicilian commercial interaction, especially during the 5th century BCE.

Archaeometric Characterization of the Industrial Production of Porcelains in the Vieillard & Co. Manufactory (Bordeaux, France, 19th Century).

In this paper, we focus on the industrial production of porcelain in the Bordeaux area (France) in the 19th century. Our main objective is to assess the evolution of production technology of the same manufactory over a period of more than 40 years. A multi-analytical approach was used to investigate glazes and bodies of thirty-four sherds of biscuit and porcelain found in an archaeological context. The microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical characterization was performed using a combination of scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), particles induced X-ray and gamma emission (PIXE-PIGE), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results obtained on the characterization of the ceramic production technologies and on the chemical modification over time contributes to investigate this industrial production, which is not well documented by the written archives. The examination of the biscuits, rare artifacts, showed that the porcelain bodies were produced by mixing kaolinitic clays, quartz, and potassium feldspars. The mineralogical analysis of the ceramic supports allowed hypotheses to be put forward on the temperatures of the biscuit firing (around 950 °C) and the second firing (over 1200 °C). Furthermore, the treatment of the compositional data, including both glazes and bodies, using multivariate statistical analysis, revealed different types of production corresponding to the different chronological periods of production at Bordeaux throughout the 19th century. These results will enable us to consider the possibility of authenticating non-stamped and undecorated pieces.

Archaeometric characterization of historical-contemporaneous marbles from Waldensian Valleys of Piedmont (Dora-Maira Massif, Cottian Alps, Italy)

This paper deals with mineralogical-petrographic, microstructural and geochemical analyses for the archaeometric characterization of silicate-bearing granoblastic marbles from the so-called Waldensian Valleys of Piedmont (i.e. Pellice, Germanasca and lower Chisone valleys, Cottian Alps, Italy). These stones, belonging to the Dora-Maira Massif of the Penninic domain (pre-Carboniferous), are often associated with a talc-bearing mineralization. Since the XIV century, “Waldensian” marbles have been subjected to a relatively intense extractive activity (nowadays almost completely abandoned) and have been widely used, especially during XVI-XIX century, for decoration purposes and as building materials in the Duchy of Savoy, as well as later, in Italy and abroad. Fifteen samples representing four lithofacies and commercial types (named “Statuary white”, “Bardiglio gray”, “Zebrato gray” and “Cipollino green” marbles) from four different quarries (named Cabitto, La Majera, Rocca Corba, and Caugis), were studied through a multianalytical approach. The isotopic signature, combined with the mineral chemistry, allowed tracing marbles origin uniquely. The resulting database can be employed either in the cultural heritage, or in the conservation and restoration science, to identify each “Waldensian” marble from different decorative stones with similar microstructural and/or compositional features, but different origin.

Early Medieval coarse wares from northern Bactria-Tokharistan. Archaeological and archaeometric characterization

The paper focuses on the archaeological contextualization and archaeometric characterization of Early Medieval coarse wares from the town of Khosijat Tepe and the castle of Balalyk Tepe (southern Uzbekistan), located in ancient northern Bactria-Tokharistan. From the 5th to the 8th centuries CE, this territory was marked by the successive arrival of nomadic tribes (Chionites/Kidarites and Hephthalites) which interacted with the Kushano-Sasanian population and contributed to the development of regional traditions and specific cultural characteristics. The study of ceramic artifacts is fundamental to ascertaining these processes, but the research conducted to date on this issue is very limited. Thus, we aim, first, to examine the morphological and technological features of some cooking wares, storage jars, and common wares, proposing a functional and morphological classification. Second, we want to detect the changes introduced by the nomadic tribes and evaluate the extent of these changes through a comparison with coeval ceramics from nearby sites. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence were performed on 16 specimens to evaluate the provenance and to determine the manufacturing processes (choice and working of raw materials, shaping methods, surface treatments, and firing regime). The results of the investigation revealed that all the vessels analyzed are local/regional products; however, the procurement and processing of the raw materials vary considerably depending on provenance and function. The appearance of new shapes and decorations, which have parallels in several settlements of northern Bactria, bears witness to the spread of nomadic traditions at the regional level.

Archaeometric characterization of black gloss ware from Populonia (Tuscany): Imported pottery and local production of the Petites Estampilles Group

This paper presents a chemical characterization by means of WDXRF and mineralogical characterization by means of XRD of 21 individuals of black gloss pottery from the excavations on the acropolis of Populonia. The results shed new light on the circulation of pottery to this major urban centre in North Etruria during the Roman Republican period, while they also suggest the likelihood of local manufacture. In particular, we identify at Populonia four different black gloss productions that can be archaeometrically defined as Campanian A, Volterra, Etrusco-Latial 1 and a possible local production of ceramics belonging to the Petites Estampilles Group, active in the late fourth and third centuries BCE. Once thought to be a workshop located at Rome itself, this class is now understood as a diffuse network of workshops located in South Etruria and Latium producing pottery of similar technology and style. The present study potentially extends the map of its production to North Etruria in a region at that time newly incorporated into the expanding Roman Republican empire.

Archaeometric characterization of pottery from the Iron Age hillfort of Pintia (Valladolid, Spain)

This paper presents the results of an archaeometric analysis of pre-Roman and Roman ceramics from the Vaccean Iron Age hillfort of Pintia (Valladolid, Spain). The study assesses degrees of romanization and hybridization by investigating changes in local ceramic production and the dissemination of new technologies with the arrival of Roman rule. Thin-section petrography, XRD, and geochemical analyses (using XRF) have been utilised on a selection of pre- and post-conquest vessels from habitation contexts. This work goes beyond traditional typological analyses to shed light on the resilience of ‘Second Iron Age’ communities, who's ceramic traditions largely persist into Roman times, albeit with some changes, like shifts in the preferences and location of raw materials.

Micro Destructive Analysis for the Characterization of Ancient Mortars: A Case Study from the Little Roman Bath of Nora (Sardinia, Italy)

In this work, a protocol of a partially invasive sampling for the archaeometric characterization of ancient mortars from the little Roman Bath of Nora (Sardinia, Italy) is presented. Optical microscopy and different analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and physical/mechanical tests have been carried out on the mortars. These analyses were performed to investigate the chemical composition, alteration products, and binder pozzolanic activity. An innovative method of image analysis has been tested to obtain information about the size and shape of both the mortar aggregates and the binder/aggregate ratio. This new particle-size analysis has two different advantages: (i) it saves a huge volume of material compared to a classic granulometric classification through its use of a sieve and (ii) is eco-friendly in respect to the environment by saving a large volume of liquid waste derived from the acid attack for the separation of the insoluble aggregate from the soluble binder, as would be done for a common sieving. Results show a local provenance of the aggregates. The use of two different limestones for the mortars’ binder production was detected and probably this raw material belongs to the nearby Roman town of Karales (current day Cagliari).

The San Saturnino Basilica (Cagliari, Italy): An Up-Close Investigation about the Archaeological Stratigraphy of Mortars from the Roman to the Middle Ages

The manufacturing technology of historical mortars from the Roman to Medieval period apparently has not undergone evolutions. As reported in the literature, a quality decrease in the raw material occurred after the fall of the Roman Empire. During the Roman Age, the mortars presented the requirements of long durability due to hydraulic characteristics, and in later times, the production has only partially maintained the ancient requirements. To focus on the different production technologies between Roman and Medieval mortar, this research presents the case study of San Saturnino Basilica (Italy), where an archaeological mortar stratigraphy from Roman to Middle Ages is well preserved. An archaeometric characterization was performed to compare the mortars of the Roman period with the mortars of the Medieval period collected from the case-study monument. This comparison was carried out by measuring some physical-mechanical, mineralogical, petrographic and thermal features that give more information about the durability and resistance to mechanical solicitations and weathering. After the characterizations, contrary to what is reported in the bibliography, a better quality of Medieval materials than Roman ones is pointed out. This has been highlighted by higher hydraulicity, mechanical performance, and a more appropriated particle-size distribution of aggregates.

Late Roman coarse wares from the Roman villa of Torre Llauder (Barcelona, Spain): Archaeometric characterisation

Torre Llauder is a Roman villa located next to the city of Iluro (Mataró, Barcelona), which transformed into a small village during Late Antiquity. To investigate the provenance and technology of Late Roman coarse wares, and particularly cooking wares, used in this site between the 6th and the 7th centuries AD, 47 samples were selected including cooking pots and casseroles, and samples of common wares, and storage vessels. Archaeometric study of these ceramics was performed through X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) for the chemical characterisation, X-ray diffraction (XRPD) for the identification of the main crystalline phases, and optical microscopy by thin section analysis for the petrographic characterisation. The results show that the cooking wares share strong similarities both in chemical composition, and petrographic features. A large petrographic fabric group characterised by granitic inclusions can be further divided into four fabrics on textural grounds. The comparison of the pottery composition with the geology of the area supports the hypothesis of a regional origin for most of the fabrics defined. The clays used for most cooking and common wares were probably derived from a common granitic area in the Maresme region, and likely from a granodioritic batholith. Some samples may have been produced in neighboring areas.

Archaeometric Characterization of Pottery from the Iron Age Hillfort of Pintia (Valladolid, Spain)

Archaeometric Characterization of Pottery from the Iron Age Hillfort of Pintia (Valladolid, Spain)

Archaeometric characterization of water jars from the Muslim period at the city of Pollentia (Alcúdia, Mallorca, Balearic Islands)

The Roman city of Pollentia was founded in 123 BCE in the northern part of the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The city developed through the Republican and Imperial periods. At the end of the third century CE, a large fire destroyed parts of the city, although it survived through the Vandal and the Byzantine periods. At the beginning of the tenth century, the Balearics were conquered by the Muslim forces. Recent excavations of the Late Roman fortification located at the area of the forum have revealed some layers with large quantities of utilitarian ceramics dated to the Islamic period. An archaeometric study was carried out to characterize these products, their provenance and technology. This was completed by utilizing a combination of techniques, including: Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Optical Microscopy by thin-section analysis (OM). The results show two main compositional groups, one of which might be local and a second one regional. This is a first step on the compositional characterization of utilitarian pottery from Pollentia under the Islamic rule, and contributes to a progressive and systematic characterization of ceramics from this particular period on the island.