The combined use of spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of Late Roman common wares from Benevento (Italy)

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an archaeometric characterisation carried out on nineteen samples of Late Roman table and cooking ware by means of the combined use of spectroscopic techniques (colorimetry, FT-IR and l-Raman). The study attempts at defining the technology adopted in the manufacturing of these ceramics, unearthed during archaeological surveys carried out within the ‘‘Ancient Appia Landscapes” project. Successful results were achieved and the reconstruction of the productive process was carried out. Second derivative profiles of IR spectra and l-Raman analyses allowed defining the mineralogy of ceramic pastes, inferring the local provenance of raw materials and the low attention paid in their manufacturing. If good technological standards were achieved in the production of tableware, cooking ware shows colorimetric and mineralogical evidences of uncontrolled firing conditions, testifying a not-well standardized technological process.