No abstract

This work is focused on the characterization of metallic finds that are part of an ancient war biga from the Tomba della Biga, using different approaches for the diagnostics and also the conservation of this important cultural heritage. The materials analyzed were brought to light in the necropolis of Canal Bianco (Adria, Italy). The samples were analyzed using Optical Reflected Light Microscopy (ORLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-Raman Spectroscopy (µ-RS). The results highlighted the occurrence of two different alloys (Fe and Cu-Sn-bronze) showing important structural and textural variations. These results, along with µ-RS, gave details on the surface and subsurface morphology, as well as the microstructures and the chemical and mineralogical composition of the finds. In particular, µ-RS highlighted the presence of magnetite and goethite as the main mineralogical phases for Fe-samples and malachite, azurite and Cu-oxide for bronze samples. In addition, an attempt was made to trace the manufacturing process, the purity of the alloys and the degree of slagging. Results of analytical studies show corrosion products of the samples which could be evidence of metallurgical aspects. The good state of conservation due to favorable conditions in the burial environment preserved the metal finds from intense corrosion, supporting the hypothesis that the samples reached equilibrium with soil during their life in the burial environment. This proposed methodology based on the microstructure, chemistry and mineral microanalysis allows the diagnostic and evaluation of the state of conservation of metallic finds.

Peculiar non-vascular ceramic slabs of uncertain use were found in two different Etruscan settlements of the Po Delta region (San Basilio di Ariano nel Polesine and Adria, North-East Italy) dated back to the first millennium BC. Different interpretations concerning the primary role of these fragments have been suggested by previous scholars. To bring to light an understanding of the construction processes that appear to be unique to the San Basilio and Adria settlements, a multi-analytical approach has been carried out. Macroscopic observations enabled these materials to be preliminary subdivided into groups based on chromatic features, followed by the identification of their chemical composition through FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Moreover, the open porosity was estimated by the total water absorption test, and the superficial morphology and elemental composition of specific samples were analyzed using SEM-EDS. Furthermore, the firing temperature of a few selected fragments was evaluated by the TGA-DSC technique in order to investigate ancient production techniques. The results of the research lead us to consider the role of these peculiar non-vascular ceramic slabs as building materials due to their specific protective properties, considering the environmental conditions of the Po Delta region.