Green Earth Research Articles

Come with Me into the Fields: Inspiring Creation Ministry among Faith Communities

Climate change is a dominant reality of our time, a series of physical changes to earth’s systems that will impact human wellbeing, social stability, biodiversity, and the familiar patterns of harvest and storms on God’s green earth. The Fifth Assessment Report clearly states that climate change is already having an impact on our planet and will worsen the lot of the poor in particular. A critical link between this scientific assessment of the state of the planet and Christian faith is thereby found in the gospel invitation to care for the poor. Yet arguably many Christians have not internalized this reality, and the central symbols of Christian faith are not yet consciously intertwined with the reality of climate change in the ways needed to summon strong action. Therefore, the critical question addressed here is how ministers can help lead their communities to understand the links between climate change and faith -- and then inspire them to act. My focus group research among over 135 faith-based environmentalists show that the motivation for environmental advocacy is effectively created through group discussion in the kinds of trusted groups that congregations and faith communities exemplify. Congregations and faith communities are privileged places for engaging potential environmental leaders, and for supporting the work of already active environmentalists. Research Objectives: Empirical research was conducted while a fellow of the Earth Institute, Columbia University, and was approved by the Columbia University Institutional Review Board. The objective was to engage environmental decision theory as well as theological analysis to understand the factors that motivate faith-based environmentalists. Methods: Participants were chosen from mainstream congregational sustainability committees. The Christian groups included Baptists (WA), three groups of Catholics (suburban NJ, urban NY, rural WA), two groups of Episcopalians (suburban and urban NJ), megachurch Christian Evangelicals (FL), Reformed Christians (NJ), two groups of Presbyterians/ PCUSA (MD), Unitarian-Universalists (NJ), and southern pastors (NC). Participant statements provided the primary starting point for analysis. I asked questions about congregational activity, personal motivations, how beliefs developed, and behavior change, and employed semi-structured questions to permit systematic comparison and analysis. Discussions were transcribed and coded both inductively and deductively using NVivo 8 content analysis software (QSR Software, Melbourne) to compare and rank the responses. This essay represents analysis of a small portion of the data collected and the conclusions drawn from it.

Identification of pigments on Byzantine wall paintings from Crete (14th century AD) using non-invasive Fiber Optics Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS)

In this paper a combined analytical methodology was employed aiming to explore the potential of the non-invasive Fiber Optics Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS) technique for Byzantine wall painting pigments' characterization, as well as to assess the reliability of analytical information comparing the results with detailed spectral analyses obtained by advanced laboratory techniques such as Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (ESEM-EDX), Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and micro-Raman Spectroscopy. Byzantine wall paintings (14th Century) decorating two Churches located in the settlements of Patsos and Meronas at Amari, Crete, were investigated in a first systematic research effort to study the mural painting pigments and techniques employed on the island during this period. Micro-sampling was allowed for laboratory analyses only from the Patsos Church's murals. The results obtained from the various spectroscopic methods employed confirmed the identification of pigments (red/yellow ochres, cinnabar, green earth, etc) and that the mixed fresco-secco technique was used in these paintings. In order to characterize the Meronas murals, a comparative study was performed between the acquired FORS spectra of both Churches and the laboratory analyses results. The data obtained confirmed the effectiveness of FORS technique for wall painting pigments' identification, offering key advantages such as instrument mobility and rapid data collection which are of utmost significance in the field of archaeological research.The present work provides detailed information on the structure of pigments and the interpretation of the FTIR spectra by assigning characteristic vibrational modes in these spectra and the electronic transitions of the VIS-NIR spectra, which would be of great value as a reference for other FTIR and FORS researchers in this field.

Microanalysis of clay‐based pigments in painted artworks by the means of Raman spectroscopy

FT Raman spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy with lasers of three different wavelengths (1064 nm, 785 nm and 532 nm) were used for analysis of reference samples of natural clay pigments including white clay minerals (kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite), green earths (glauconite and celadonite) and red earths (natural mixtures of white clay minerals with hematite). In addition, eight micro‐samples obtained from historical paintings containing clay pigments in ground and colour layers have been examined. Powder X‐ray diffraction and micro‐diffraction were used as supplementary methods. It was found that laser operating at 1064 nm provided the best quality Raman spectra for distinguishing different white clay minerals, but the spectra of green and red earths were affected by strong fluorescence caused by the presence of iron. Green earth minerals could be easily distinguished by 532 or 785 nm excitation lasers, even in small concentrations in the paint layers. On the other hand, when anatase (TiO2) or iron oxides (such as hematite) were present as admixtures (both are quite common, particularly in red earths), the collection of characteristic spectra of clay minerals which form the main component of the layer was hindered or even prevented. Another complicating factor was the fluorescence produced by organic binders when analysing the micro‐samples of artworks. In those cases, it is always necessary to use powder X‐ray micro‐diffraction to avoid misleading interpretations of the pigment's composition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A multi-analytical study of the fifteenth century mural paintings of the Batalha Monastery (Portugal) in view of their conservation

The systematic characterization of the painting’s palette and technique applied on the execution of the mural paintings of the Batalha Monastery (Batalha, Leiria, Portugal) is presented. These are the oldest mural paintings known in Portugal (apart from Roman frescoes) and represent the beginning of an artistic Portuguese tradition that continues until the nineteenth century. The aim of the study was to identify for the first time by adopting a multi-analytical physico-chemical approach of the pigments, binder, and alteration products (white veils, crusts, and pigment alteration) of these unique works of arts in order not only to better understand the painting technique, but also to support a conservation-restoration intervention that took place from April to August 2010. Micro-sampling of paint layers was performed on representative areas of the paintings. The characterization of the pigments and binders was carried out by microscopy and microanalysis of cross sections using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), micro-FTIR, and micro X-ray diffraction. The combined analysis of the paintings allowed the identification of the painting’s palette: Vermillion (HgS) and red ochre for the reds, yellow ochres for the yellows, green earths and malachite for the greens, azurite for the blues, and carbon for the blacks. The use of the pigment is dependent of the motive painted while the most expensive materials were used in the most important iconographic motives. Alteration of malachite was identified in darkened layers in green areas of the paintings. White veil areas on the surface of the paintings were identified as calcite from precipitation/dissolution processes due to water run-off on the sacristy dome ceiling and walls.

A scientific approach to the characterization of the painting materials of Fra Mattia della Robbia polychrome terracotta altarpiece

During the last restoration (2008–2011) of the polychrome terracotta altarpiece called Coronation of Virgin between Saints Rocco, Sebastian, Peter martyr and Antonio abbot, located in the collegiate church of S. Maria Assunta in Montecassiano (Macerata, Italy), scientific investigations were carried out to acquire detailed information about the painting technique. The identification of materials allowed a correct restoration. The altarpiece is almost entirely realized by Marco della Robbia (Fra Mattia), dates back to the first half of the XVI century and represents an interesting example of painted terracotta produced by using two different techniques: glazed polychrome terracotta and the “cold painting” technique. The characterization of the samples’ material constituents was obtained by analysing the cross-sections and the fragments by different techniques (optical, SEM-EDS and ATR-FTIR microscopy as well as GC-MS), as the real nature of a component is often difficult to assess with one single technique. The optical microscope examination of paint cross-sections shows the presence of many layers, indicating the complexity of the paint stratigraphic morphologies. The original polychromy of della Robbia’s masterpiece is constituted of cinnabar, red lake, red lead, orpiment, red ochre, lead white, lead tin yellow, green earth and raw umber. Two different types of gilding technique have been distinguished. The first one presents a glue mordant, and the second one shows an oil mordant composed by a mixture of red lead, red ochre, cinnabar and orpiment. The GC-MS analysis allowed the characterisation of linseed oil and a mixture of animal glue and egg as binding media stratigraphically located by the use of ATR-FTIR mapping microscopy. The analytical results of the painted terracotta integrated investigations show that original technique adopted is characterised by the application of pigments in an oil-binding medium directly applied on the substrates, probably treated with oil and animal glue. A large number of overpaintings above the original scheme of polychromy was found, which could be ascribed to almost three different interventions; the absence of modern pigments suggests that they could be realized long ago.

A multi-analytical approach for the study of the pigments used in the wall paintings from a building complex on the Caelian Hill (Rome)

In the present study, shards from Roman wall paintings (from the end of the first century to the fourth century A.D.) decorating the domus below the Basilica of SS. John and Paul on the Caelian Hill (Rome), were analyzed in order to identify the pigments used. The analytical techniques employed for the characterization of the pigments were the scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (ATR and micro ATR). While SEM-EDS allowed to perform a qualitative analysis of the material, by FT-IR chemical species have been identified. The pigments identified were those mentioned in the literature for the Imperial Roman fresco painting: different types of ochre (yellow and red), mixtures containing lead, green earths and precious pigments such as cinnabar and Egyptian blue. They were often used as mixtures and the use of the most valuable pigments (cinnabar and Egyptian blue) were found in the most ancient rooms.

Power photonics for Green Earth –strategic approach to the better life–

We have investigated the pathway to realize Laser Inertial (LIFE) as the primary energy for society, which is vital for the Green Earth (environmentally sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all mankind). The next step toward the fusion power plant is the engineering development of the elements and the integrated system of the LIFE. An integrated system development will open new applications to sciences and industries in many fields such as high energy density physics, advanced manufacturing, nuclear material processing, space, and medical engineerings, with the deployment of high rep-rate, high-average and peak power lasers. Laser fusion research started soon after the invention of laser. The purpose was clearly fixed on the development of new energy sources, which are clean, safe and abundant, in order to provide the primary energy for the future. The physics of laser-driven implosion and compression have been thoroughly investigated within an active collaborative and interactive international research community. We achieved temperatures of 10 8 K which is necessary for abundant fusion reactions to occur and densities of 10 3 times compression over the initial pellet density required for energy gain in separate experiments at ILE, Osaka University. We are now at the new phase where the fusion ignition, burn and energy gain are expected to be achieved with the Mega-Joule lasers such as NIF of the U.S. and LMJ of France in the time frame of 2011∼2015. Along with the research activities of world-leading laboratories into the physics of the implosion, the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) has been promoting international collaborative projects for the development of Inertial Energy. The first systematic project was performed taking the collaboration of more than 80 experts of the world. The result was published as a comprehensive book of 450 pages titled as Energy from Inertial Fusion in 1995. Since then, two successive Coordinative Research Projects (CRP) have been undertaken, the first entitled CRP on the Elements of Power Plant Design from 2000 to 2004 and the second entitled CRP on the Integrated Approach to Inertial Power Plants from 2006 to 2010. The progresses of high energy density physics being stimulated by IFE research and the high average power laser engineering of short pulse for IFE driver, are opening and creating new science opportunities and industries in material processing, radiation sources, charged particles and neutron sources, new material creation, and medical applications. These will provide important new technologies for the green earth and sustainable growth for the 21st Century. It appears that we are entering the new Era of Photonics.

Muscular dystrophy—something new on God's green earth?

Promising results on newborn testing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy indicate that widespread screening could become routinely available. Nevertheless, newborn testing raises ethical, social and scientific concerns that need careful consideration to maximize benefit for patients, their families and health-care providers.

The Polychrome Sinopia of Roman Mosaic at Lod (Israel): Pigments Characterization and Microstratigraphic Study

This paper presents the results of the archaeometric study on the pigments and the painting techniques used to produce the polichrome sinopia found under the tesserae of the Roman mosaic at Lod (Israel). The red, yellow, green and black paints, laying on the sovranucleus of the preparation mortar under the mosaic, were studied by polarised light microscopy on disperse pigments (PLM), reflected light microscopy (RLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The palette comprises red and yellow ochre, cinnabar, green earth and carbon black. The microstratigraphic analysis shows the presence of a carbonation layer including the pigment particles on the top of the mortars, indicating that the pigments were laid on a fresh mortar, according to a fresco technique.

A Case Study: Investigation of Yoga’s Potential to Treat Breast Cancer Survivors Facing Cancer Related Fatigue

Purpose of this study was to investigate efficiency of Yoga as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer survivors who faced Cancer Related Fatigue, after post treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc. We prepared a randomized trial with yoga in Stan Cancer Rogi Seva Kendra, Radiotherapy Dept, SMS Hospital, Jaipur (India) in collaboration with the “Koshish” and the “Green Earth Foundation”. The authors of the manuscript are associated with both of them. We organized Yoga classes for 5 days in a week for two months (Monday to Friday) non stop. Among 93 of the participants, 62 were allowed to attend Yoga sessions and 31 were kept as control. There was a slow decrease in depressive symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for experimental group of participants that were age above fifty from first intervention to second intervention of the session to intervention periods (mean:1st intervention- 70.790 to 2nd intervention-69.368), this showed that the first intervention were quite effective and the patients were benefited from the yoga. Also for the other experimental group of participants i.e. below the age of fifty where the value arose from (mean: 1st intervention-68.081 to 2nd intervention-57.174) they were improved in their depressive symptoms and their quality of life.

Power Photonics for Green Earth- Strategic Approach to the Better Life -

We have investigated the pathway to realize Laser Inertial (LIFE) as the primary energy for society, which is vital for the Green Earth (environmentally sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all mankind). The next step toward the fusion power plant is the engineering development of the elements and the integrated system of the LIFE. An integrated system development will open new applications to sciences and industries in many fields such as high energy density physics, advanced manufacturing, nuclear material processing, space, and medical engineerings, with the deployment of high rep-rate, high-average and peak power lasers. Laser fusion research started soon after the invention of laser. The purpose was clearly fixed on the development of new energy sources, which are clean, safe and abundant, in order to provide the primary energy for the future. The physics of laser-driven implosion and compression have been thoroughly investigated within an active collaborative and interactive international research community. We achieved temperatures of 10 8 K which is necessary for abundant fusion reactions to occur and densities of 10 3 times compression over the initial pellet density required for energy gain in separate experiments at ILE, Osaka University. We are now at the new phase where the fusion ignition, burn and energy gain are expected to be achieved with the Mega-Joule lasers such as NIF of the U.S. and LMJ of France in the time frame of 2011∼2015. Along with the research activities of world-leading laboratories into the physics of the implosion, the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) has been promoting international collaborative projects for the development of Inertial Energy. The first systematic project was performed taking the collaboration of more than 80 experts of the world. The result was published as a comprehensive book of 450 pages titled as Energy from Inertial Fusion in 1995. Since then, two successive Coordinative Research Projects (CRP) have been undertaken, the first entitled CRP on the Elements of Power Plant Design from 2000 to 2004 and the second entitled CRP on the Integrated Approach to Inertial Power Plants from 2006 to 2010. The progresses of high energy density physics being stimulated by IFE research and the high average power laser engineering of short pulse for IFE driver, are opening and creating new science opportunities and industries in material processing, radiation sources, charged particles and neutron sources, new material creation, and medical applications. These will provide important new technologies for the green earth and sustainable growth for the 21st Century. It appears that we are entering the new Era of Photonics.

The first spectroscopic analysis of Ethiopian prehistoric rock painting

An extensive micro‐Raman spectroscopic study of prehistoric rock paintings found in Hararghe region, Ethiopia, was carried out, with the aim to evaluate the production skill of the local artist and the period of production of the discovered paintings. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) Spectroscopy and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) were used as auxiliary techniques. Micro sampling were carried out on parts of red, white, black painting figures representing domestic and wild animals. The pigments used by artists were hematite for red color, calcite or gypsum for white color, and carbonaceous material for black coloration. A green pigment was also investigated; it resulted made of green earth. A consistent amount of Ca‐oxalate was found particularly on red samples as well as on the white ones. Former studies attributed oxalates origin to a biological substrate attack, whereas in the present case Ca‐oxalate is ascribed to the use of an organic stuff to spread properly the pigments on the substrate.Principal Component Analysis was performed on the hematite spectra; it evinced that the spectral features could be indicative of different sites and of the relative age.1These novel evaluations put into new perspective the knowledge about rock art pictorial technology of the Horn of Africa. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Natural Earth Pigments From Roman and Arabic Wall Paintings Revealed by Spectroscopic Techniques

ABSTRACT Full identification of pigments used in wall paintings by Romans and Arabs that were recently discovered was achieved by the combined application of several spectroscopy methods. Identification of pigments was provided by the use of micro-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy, while UV-Visible spectroscopy and chromatic studies permitted the authors to identify slight variations of hue attributed to mixtures of pigments. Natural earths and minerals were detected as the main pigments employed by both civilizations, although some differences were found between them. Red ochre, vermilion, yellow ochre, Egyptian blue, green earth, calcite, carbon, and possibly ivory blacks were identified in the Roman paintings. Only hematite and calcite were observed in the Arabic fragments.

Study of Mural Paintings UsingIn SituXRF, Confocal Synchrotron-μ-XRF, μ-XRD, Optical Microscopy, and SEM-EDS—The Case of the Frescoes from Misericordia Church of Odemira

In this work, we present the results of an analytical method developed for detailed pigment identification, stratigraphy, and degradation of the paint layers of mural paintings applied in the study of the 17th century frescoes from the Misericordia Church of Odemira (Southwest Portugal). In situ X-ray fluorescence spectrometry analyses were performed on three panels of the mural paintings and complemented by colorimetric measurements. The different color areas were also sampled as microfragments (approx. 1 mm2) that were studied as taken or mounted in epoxy resin to expose the different paint layers. The microfragments of paint layers and their cross sections were characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Furthermore, elemental analysis was obtained with spatially resolved confocal synchrotron radiation μ-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry performed at ANKA synchrotron FLUO beamline. Occasionally, phase analysis by μ-X-ray diffraction was also performed. Results from the different techniques allowed pigment identification and, in some cases, the evaluation of color changes due to degradation processes and, considering the Southern Portugal geology, the identification of their possible provenance. The pigments used were essentially yellow, brown and red ochres, smalt blue, copper green, and black earths, probably from local sources.

Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program: Green Earth Enhanced with Inquiry and Technology

This study investigated the effectiveness of a guided inquiry integrated with technology, in terms of female middle-school students’ attitudes toward science/scientists and content knowledge regarding selective science concepts (e.g., Greenhouse Effect, Air/Water Quality, Alternative Energy, and Human Health). Thirty-five female students who were entering eighth grade attended an intensive, 1-week Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program which used a main theme, “Green Earth Enhanced with Inquiry and Technology.” We used pre- and post-attitude surveys, pre- and post-science content knowledge tests, and selective interviews to collect data and measure changes in students’ attitudes and content knowledge. The study results indicated that at the post-intervention measures, participants significantly improved their attitudes toward science and science-related careers and increased their content knowledge of selected science concepts (p < .05).

Non-invasive and micro-destructive investigation of the Domus Aurea wall painting decorations

The paper reports on the exploitation of an educated multi-technique analytical approach based on a wide non invasive step followed by a focused micro-destructive step, aimed at the minimally invasive identification of the pigments decorating the ceiling of the Gilded Vault of the Domus Aurea in Rome. The combination of elemental analysis with molecular characterization provided by X-ray fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopies, respectively, allowed for the in situ non-invasive identification of a remarkable number of pigments, namely Egyptian blue, green earth, cinnabar, red ochre and an anthraquinonic lake. The study was completed with the Raman analysis of two bulk samples, in particular, SERS measurements allowed for the speciation of the anthraquinonic pigment. Elemental mapping by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer combined with micro-fluorimetry on cross-section gave an insight into both the distribution of different blend of pigments and on the nature of the inorganic support of the red dye.

PIGMENTS AND PLASTERS FROM THE ROMAN SETTLEMENT OF THAMUSIDA (RABAT, MOROCCO)

A total of 22 samples were taken both from plasters still in situ and from collapsed material recovered by French, Italian and Moroccan teams at the Roman settlement of Thamusida (Rabat, Morocco). The sample characterization was obtained using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, image analysis and Raman micro‐spectroscopy. Plaster aggregate was made using a mixture of sands and clays that outcrop nearby, while lime was probably produced using the local limestone crust, as was further verified for the mortars. The plasters from the bath complexes (public buildings) and the Temple à trois cellae (sacred building) were very poorly made, while those from areas VII and XX (private buildings) indicated the involvement of more expert masons. The pigments used were cinnabar, red ochre, yellow ochre, Egyptian blue, green earth, chalk white and carbon black. The overall manufacture was of low quality, and hence perfectly comparable to that observed in other Roman Provinces. With respect to Italy and to other Mediterranean Roman sites, Thamusida fits well within an aesthetic and technical koinè that differentiates sites of the Italian peninsula from those in the Provinces.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL, STYLISTIC AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON 11TH–13TH CENTURY AD PAINTED FRAGMENTS FROM THE SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA CHURCH IN CEVIO (SWITZERLAND)

The painted fragments collected during the archaeological excavation campaign in the San Giovanni Battista church in Cevio represent a unique patrimony of Romanesque wall painting in Tessin, Switzerland, having a strong stylistic linkage with the Lombardic art of the same period. The archaeological and stylistic research allowed the fragments to be dated between the 11th and 13th centuries ad and to group them in three chronological phases. The scientific research (p‐XRF, OM, SEM–EDS, FTIR and XRD) was aimed at characterizing the pigments and the pictorial techniques used. Important changes occurred in terms of some pigments used during the 11th and 12th centuries: in particular, azurite was used to decorate the earlier wall paintings while lapis lazuli was used for the 12th‐century ones. During the second period, lead‐based pigments (lead white and minium) were introduced into the palette. The use of natural yellow and red ochres and green earth was common for the three periods. The fresco technique was generally used, except for the application of azurite and lead‐based pigments, where the a secco technique was adopted. The integrated research is a contribution to the knowledge of Romanesque art in the Insubric Region.

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Organization Development Interventions on Organizational Leadership and Management Practice: A Case Of Green Earth Program (GEP)

This study was an analytical descriptive research done to assess the effects of organization development interventions on leadership and management practises of Green Earth Program. The theoretical framework was based on the models developed by Kotter and Lippit and the conceptual framework was based on the effects of organization development interventions framework of leading change. A pre- assessment of leadership and management practice at Green Earth was conducted which identified six problem areas or improvement issues. These were: absence of a strong compelling vision and an organization structure that encouraged an unhealthy competitive conflict, failure to involve staff at all levels in decision making especially in areas affecting their work, inadequate information flow (communication), a perceived unfair reward system and lack of human resources management policies and procedures, weak financial accountability practice and lack of financial management policies and procedures. The data from pre- assessment and post assessment were statistically treated using the means. A t-test was also used for the comparison of the pre and post interventions data, for improvements significance at 0.05 alpha levels. The results of the pre and post intervention assessments showed that the effects of the interventions was statistically significant. The study findings revealed that the overall mean for pre- assessment was 1.45 while the overall mean for post intervention assessment was 1.81. The overall p value was p=0.000. This was a clear indication that there was a very significant difference between data obtained during pre- assessment and data obtained after post intervention assessment. The above results led to the conclusion that the Organization Development Interventions offered were successful since there was a significant difference in the data before and after the interventions. These results therefore, led to the rejection of the hypothesis which stated that there were no significant differences in the obtained data on the six problems areas before and after the interventions. This hypothesis was to be accepted or rejected at the 0.05 alpha level.

Analytical study of Roman and Arabic wall paintings in the Patio De Banderas of Reales Alcazares’ Palace using non-destructive XRD/XRF and complementary techniques

A portable XRD/XRF system and complementary laboratory techniques were employed to improve the knowledge of the procedures used to create Roman and Arabic wall paintings. Integrated physico-chemical investigations were conducted on fragments of artworks collected from the archaeological excavation of the Patio de Banderas in the Reales Alcazares’ Palace of Seville (Spain), and a comparative study on the pigments from both historical periods was performed. As a result, pigments such as vermilion, red ochre, yellow ochre, green earth, Egyptian blue, carbon and phosphor-based black pigments were detected in Roman samples; however, in the Arabic fragments, only haematite was observed. In addition, the size and shape of the particles of the wall paintings were studied with an XRD 2-dimensional detector and SEM-EDX.