In the framework of the archaeometric research on Apulian Late Antique glass, a collection of 24 glass vessels (third to seventh centuries ad) and production indicators found at Herdonia (Foggia, Italy) was examined, by means of SEM–EDS, EMPA, ICP–MS and LA–ICP–MS. A fragment of crucible was further investigated by SEM–EDS and EMPA. The results obtained were discussed together with another glass collection from Herdonia previously investigated. The full set of 48 samples was made of siliceous sands mixed with plant ashes (two samples: a dark green slab and a colourless beaker/lamp) or natron (all the other 46 samples). The latter were assigned to the following compositional groups: HIMT, Levantine 1, RNCBGY1, RNCBGY2, RC/LAC‐Sb, intermediate HIMT/RNCBGY1, intermediate RNCBGY1/HIMT, intermediate Levantine/RNCBGY2 and two other groups, the CaO‐rich HIMT and the CaO‐rich/Na2O poor HIMT, which showed a prevailing Adriatic distribution and a close similarity to the weak HIMT glass group. Most Herdonia samples were similar to the HIMT productions, and thus of likely Egyptian origin, while a smaller number of samples referred to the Levantine productions.
Thirty‐two glass objects (third to ninth centuries ad) have been investigated by means of SEM–EDS, EMPA, ICP–MS and LA–ICP–MS. Siliceous sands and natron were identified as the vitrifying and the fluxing agents, respectively. Colouring agents were iron for yellow/–green, aqua blue and blackish glass; cobalt for blue and, combined with iron, for brownish glass; and copper and lead antimonates for one emerald green glass. Antimony was the main decolourizer, while manganese was rarely used or effective. Half of the collection was probably of Levantine origin, while the other half was assigned to the North African coast (Egypt?). The reliability of the CaO‐rich HIMT glass group has been consolidated.
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