AN EVALUATION OF ANALYTICAL AND INTERPRETATIVE METHODOLOGIES FOR THE EXTRACTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF LIPIDS ASSOCIATED WITH POTTERY SHERDS FROM THE SITE OF SAGALASSOS,TURKEY*

Three lipid analysis methods were applied to extracts of archaeological potsherds from the ancient city of Sagalassos, south‐west Turkey. In the fatty acid methyl ester fraction, obtained by selective transesterification of acylglycerols, the ratio of methyl palmitate to methyl stearate was determined. Secondly, by means of gas chromatography– combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC–C–IRMS), stable carbon isotope ratios were measured for the same methyl esters. Finally, triglyceride composition was determined via high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). All three methods can be used to trace the origin of animal fat. Agreement between them is reasonable, especially in recognizing ruminant adipose fat. One sample was found to be of dairy origin using both GC–C–IRMS and HPLC–MS. The advantages of the various methods are discussed. Variations in lipid composition were observed between samples from different periods and excavated in diverse areas within the city of Sagalassos.     

THE CHARACTERIZATION OF WATERLOGGED ARCHAEOLOGICAL WOOD: THE THREE ROMAN SHIPS FOUND IN NAPLES (ITALY)*

Three apparently well‐preserved shipwrecks dating back to Roman times were brought to light near Piazza Municipio in Naples (Italy), during the excavation for the construction of Line 1 of the subway. The shipwrecks were covered by marine sand and silt, below the water table. In order to establish the nature and the extent of wood degradation and, therefore, determine how best to preserve the shipwrecks, a diagnostic investigation was carried out. The study involved the identification of wood species, chemical characterization of the residue component and physical and micro‐morphological characterization.     

Reconnaissance of the Hannibalic Route in the Upper Po Valley,Italy: Correlation with Biostratigraphic Historical Archaeological Evidence in the Upper Guil Valley,France

Controversy over the alpine route taken by the Hannibalic Army from the Rhône Basin into Italia in 218 bc (2168 cal bp ) has raged amongst classicists for over two millennia. Because Hannibal crossed the Alps, the significance for identifying the route taken by the Punic Army lies more in its potential for identifying sites of historical archaeological significance than a resolution of one of history's most enduring questions. While compelling stratigraphic, geochemical and microbiological evidence has been recovered from an alluvial floodplain mire in the upper Guil Valley, located below the Col de la Traversette (about 3000 masl) on the French–Italian border, it potentially identifies the invasion route as the one originally proposed by Sir Gavin de Beer in 1974. The dated layers in several sections, termed the MAD (mass animal deposition) beds based on disrupted/churned bedding and key/specialized biological components strongly supports de Beer's thesis that Hannibal chose the highest transit col into Italia. In addition to other physical evidence, we present here new physical, geomorphological and stratigraphic evidence, all calibrated by radiocarbon dating, that suggests Hannibal's imprint on the landscape exists in coalescing alluvial fans in the upper Po catchment of northern Italy.     

1H‐NMR AND 31P‐NMR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LIPID FRACTION IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL OINTMENTS

Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules, which includes fats, oils, waxes, sterols, terpenes, fat‐soluble vitamins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids and others. Lipids have been widely used in human history and they are often present in archaeological finds. In particular, in the field of medicine and cosmetics, lipids have been employed as base in the preparation of unguents, salves and balms. The characterization of these products and their degradation products induced by ageing is important for an understanding of the ancient pharmaceutical techniques and to assess the state of conservation. ¹H‐NMR and, for the first time, ³¹P‐NMR spectroscopy have been applied to the characterization of such compounds. By derivatization of the samples with 2‐chloro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane, it is possible to recognize, quantify and evaluate the degradation degree of lipids in archaeological unguent samples. With this new approach, lipids have been recognized in 17th‐century archaeological ointments from the Aboca Museum. Moreover, severe hydrolysis and oxidation markers have been detected.     

SIMS‐SS,A NEW OBSIDIAN HYDRATION DATING METHOD: ANALYSIS AND THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES*

The water diffusion mechanism in obsidian has been revisited with the advent of a new dating approach employing secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The water diffusion SIMS(+) profile and the concept of a surface saturation (SS) layer in obsidians both provide a sound basis for the new diffusion age equation (SIMS‐SS) and are supported by dated world examples ( Liritzis et al. 2004 ). Here, we present the basic physical–chemical analysis of the mass transport phenomenon on which the new dating method is based. The crucial age parameter of the SIMS‐SS dating approach for archaeological obsidians—that is, the surface saturation (SS) layer—is supported by both theoretical and experimental data.