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Electrochemistry for Heritage Group

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  • / Case study 1
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/ Case study 2

Characterization of the organic material contained in a Roman amphora

1. Authors of the research

 

María Teresa Doménech-Carbóa, Trinidad Pasíes-Oviedob

 

aInstitut de Restauració del Patrimoni. Universitat Politècnica de València. Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain

bMuseu de Prehistòria de València (Spain)

 

2. Archaeological site of El Saler

 

This archaeological site is located in El Saler, a small coastal town several kilometers South of the city of Valencia (Spain). In the Roman Empire Age, this place was an anchorage in which ships loaded with oil and wine amphorae waited for the arrival of boats that transported goods through the Turia river to the river port of the Roman Valentia, which was placed in the current Conde Trénor street. 

 

3. Materials and methods

 

3.1 Analytical techniques

 

Optical microscopy. Examination was carried out using a Leica DMR microscope.

 

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: IR spectra of the samples were obtained using a Vertex 70 Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer with an FR-DTGS (fast recovery deuterated triglycine sulfate) temperature-stabilized coated detector. Number of co-added scans: 32, obtained with a spectral resolution of 4 cm-1.

 

 

3.2 Samples

 

This archaeological object is exhibited in one of the rooms of the Museu de Prehistòria de València. Samples of the dark brown and viscous fluid solidified material contained in the amphora (ref. 23795) were excised with needles and scalpel.

 

4. Results and discussion

 

The IR spectra and the table, which are shown attached, summarize the results obtained. The material is a mixture of tar and a diterpenoid resin. This product was abundantly used in the Roman Empire Age as a sealant or caulking material, but also as an antiseptic in medicine, and as an ointment in magical and religious rituals.

 

5. Acknowledgements

 

Financial support is acknowledged to the I+D PID2020–113022GB-I00 from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

 

© 2014 Universitat Politècnica de València - © 2014 Universitat de València

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