Archaeometric Surveys of the Artifacts from the Archaeological Site of Baro Zavelea, Comacchio (Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

This work is part of a project of the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the enhancement of the widespread archaeological heritage of the Po delta area. Excavation activities, carried out in 2015, allowed the sampling of the stratigraphic elements and artifacts of the archaeological site of the lighthouse tower of Baro Zavelea, municipality of Comacchio (Ferrara, northeast Italy). In this work, the geochemical characterization of sediments and building materials was conducted using granulometric analyses, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and calcimetry on different types of samples, including sands, clays, mortars, and bricks, with the scope to better characterize all of the different types of sediments collected. This multidisciplinary approach allowed the diagnostic and evaluation of the state of conservation of Baro Zavalea. Granulometric analyses highlighted the fact that depositional environments were of very different natures: fluvial environments and paleo–alveo environments. In addition, XRF analysis allowed the discrimination of different clay samples, some from basins poor in carbonates, while, for the construction of the bricks of the second wall structure, clays rich in carbonate were chosen to add lightness to the structure.

Drought-Stressed Apple Tree Grafted onto Different Rootstocks in a Coastal Sandy Soil: Link between Fast Chlorophyll a Fluorescence and Production Yield

“…To classify the soil, the methods reported by Marrocchino et al were used [43]. Soil samples, after being quartered to obtain a representative amount to be analysed [44], were subjected to oxidation using a low concentration (16 vol) of H 2 O 2 to break down organic matter and ensure thorough dispersion of clasts until the effervescence effect subsided entirely.…”

“…The volatile fraction was determined in 0.6 g aliquots of soil powder upon treatment for loss on ignition (L.O.I.) at 1000 • C in a muffle for 12 h [43]. L.O.I.…”

Hydrographic Drone Non-Invasive Underwater Investigations: New Archaeological Discoveries in Valle Fossa di Porto (Comacchio—FE, Italy)

“…The geological framework of the Valle Fossa di Porto fits into the context of the coastal dunes and the ancient coastline, with specific reference to the Etruscan, Roman, and Late Roman periods [13][14][15][16][17] (Figure 3). The lithology testifies to the distributor channel deposits, such as silty clays, silts, and very fine sands organized in decimetric layers interspersed with peaty levels and partially decomposed organic matter.…”