Search results for " amphorae"

The production of western Greek amphorae in Agrigento (Southern Sicily): An archaeometric and archaeological characterisation of the late 6th-4th cen…

2022

This paper aims at an interdisciplinary, archaeological and archaeometric characterisation of the western Greek amphorae series produced in late Archaic and Classical-period Agrigento (southern Sicily). The research is based on a macroscopic examination, according to the standardised methods of Fabrics of the Central Mediterranean (FACEM), combined with petrographic analyses of 21 amphorae samples of presumed local fabric found in Agrigento itself. These were found in the artisanal area outside Porta V, in the excavations South of the temple of Zeus, and in several Sicilian consumption sites. Furthermore, a selection of 12 coarse ware samples and three tiles, all of supposed local manufactu…

Chemical characterization of organic residues on Late Roman amphorae from shipwrecks off the coast of Marsala (Trapani, Italy)

2021

Abstract Organic residues were extracted from thirty-three different types of Roman and Late Antique amphorae retrieved from underwater contexts in the custody of the Archaeological Museum “Baglio Anselmi” of Marsala in Sicily. The samples were analysed using GC-MS and 1H NMR, finding biomarkers of plant oils (including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, alcohols and alkanes present in plant waxes) were identified in seven samples. The biomarkers for Pinaceae spp., used for making pitch, were identified in one sample. The results obtained shed light on the function of different types of North African amphorae, traditionally interpreted as containers for olive oil, wine and fish sauce, p…

The beginning of western greek amphorae production in western Sicily: archaeometric and archaeological studies on 6th–5th centuries BCE amphorae manu…

2020

About 560 western Greek amphorae (6th–5th centuries BCE) re-used in enchytrismos burials were unearthed in the necropolis of the Dorian-Chalcidian colony of Himera in northwestern Sicily. Among the most striking issues is the determination of their geographical provenance. For this purpose, ceramic samples chipped from freshly broken surfaces of all the amphorae were first subdivided into macrofabrics by the use of a hand lens. Thereon, the samples were studied in accordance with standardized methods by the use of reflected light microscopy. Due to the special focus of our project on the characterization of Sicilian productions, a selection of amphorae which showed visible, macroscopic affi…

Application of Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) to the analysis of archaeological ceramic amphorae belonging to the Carthagi…

2017

<p class="Abstract"><span lang="EN-US">The aim of this preliminary work was to identify characteristic compounds in 7 underwater marine ceramic amphorae sherds dating from the period of the battle of the Egadi Islands that decided the end of the First Punic War (241 B.C.) by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS).</span></p>

Contessa Entellina (PA): Amphorae and ‘Romanization’ in inner western Sicily

2014

Le anfore fenicio-puniche prodotte nel Mediterraneo occidentale: caratteristiche petrografiche degli impasti siciliani e spagnoli.

2009

The aim of this paper is to provide well-stated petrographic reference groups for the recognition of several Sicilian and Spanish Phoenician-Punic production centres in order to facilitate an instrument of further objective support for amphorae provenance. This instrument is based on the crosschecking between data provided by typological studies and the thinsection analysis of amphorae fabrics. It is worth noting that this is only a first step within the framework of a larger research project focused in the creation of an Atlas of Phoenician and Punic Amphorae in the Western Mediterranean including both archaeological and petrographic data. In this context a systematical work on the known p…

Carthage's military installations of the First Punic War on Monte Pellegrino (Palermo)

2019

The excavation in the park of Villa Belmonte (Monte Pellegrino, Palermo) has brought to light several warehouses, made with a “pseudo-frame” technique, probably with a straw roof, used for the storage of foodstuffs, given the large quantity of Punic-type amphorae found in situ, datable to around the middle of the third century BC. In addition, a section of road - about 3 m wide that proceeds in the direction of WNW- ESE, consisting of two layers of use - has been intercepted. We believe to have tracked down part of a strategic/military station used by the Carthaginian army during the crucial years of the First Punic War.

Punic Amphorae at Entella (Sicily): Archaeometric Characterisation of this Possible Consumption Centre

2015

This paper reports the archaeometric characterisation of a number of Phoenician-Punic amphorae from the ancient site of Entella in western Sicily. Entella lies in the Sicani Mountains, along the left bank of the Hypsas-Belice river, approximately 40km from its mouth (Fig.1a). It is considered to be one of the most important indigenous settlements of western Sicily, dominating the main terrestrial and fluvial commercial routes between the south-western and northern shores of the island (Nenci 1988/89; Vaggioli 2001; Moggi and Gulletta 2001). Ancient historians first cited Entella for the unfaithful behaviour of Campanian mercenaries. During the first Punic War, Entella was a flourishing urba…

ANFORE E CERAMICHE COMUNI E DA FUOCO DA THERMAE HIMERAEAE (SICILIA) E DAL SUO HINTERLAND

2014

This report, part of a wider project involving the ancient landscapes of Himera and Thermae, presents the archaeological and archaeometric results on Late Roman amphorae and coarse/cooking wares from Termini Imerese. The aim is also to illustrate the distribution of the same types of Roman pottery in the hinterland of Thermae, where the Dept. of Cultural Heritage of Palermo University has carried out intensive surveys (from 1982, published from 1988 until 2009). A good documentation of African amphorae, coarse/cooking wares, produced both in Byzacena and Zeugitana, and also local amphorae and coarse/cooking wares and Pantellerian ware, have been found both in Thermae and in the hinterland, …

Fluttuazioni commerciali tra Nord Africa e Sicilia meridionale: il VI e il VII secolo. Cignana come caso studio

2021

This essay will examine the trend in imports of African potteries – notably amphorae and fine wares – in a rural zone of southern Sicily. We are dealing with the region of Cignana, not far from the coastline, where archaeological excavations documented a large settlement that experienced a big growth between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. During this period, a shift in the ceramic supply from the Zeugitana towards the Byzacena occurred. Nevertheless, the positive trend in imports persists until the last decades of the 6th century. Thereafter, it shows a decrease until the apparent interruption after the mid-7th century. New changes in the Mediterranean trading system seem to undermine the pr…