07021 - Archaeometry

Learning outcomes

The course gives the basic knowledge of the scientific methods for the study of the archaeological contexts and the anaylses of the materials, with the aim of an historical and technological  characterisation of the artefacts and findings (analyses of the constituent materials and of the production techniques, provenance studies, dating). The student, at the end of the course, will be able to examine the materials, to classify them on the basis of laboratory observations, to evaluate the applicability of analytical methodologies for the study of the materials and to formulate the appropriate questions to discuss with the scientists; the student will also be able to select the materials to be analysed, to perform the sampling and to select the analyses to be done.

Course contents

Fundamentals of the scientific methodologies for archaeology: non invasive analyses- analyses on samples

General criteria for sampling of different materials

Techniques for observations and classifications of artefacts and materials: microscopy, spectroscopy, diffractometry

Dating methodologies

Provenance studies

The course will take place also in laboratory. The laboratory experiences will be conducted with the direct involvement of the students, performing the measurements and interpreting the results:
- Sampling and sample treatment
- Optical microscopy
- Mineralogical optical microscopy
- X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy
- FTIR Spectroscopy
- X-ray diffractometry
- Thermal analyses

Readings/Bibliography

1. A. Castellano, M. Martini, E. Sibilia (a cura di), Elementi di archeometria. Metodi fisici per i beni culturali, Milano, Egea, 2002 - part II

2. M.J. AItken, Science-based Dating in Archaeology, Longman Archaeology Series, Longman, New York, 1990: chapter 1, paragraph 2.6, chapters 3, 4 and 6.

3. M. Milazzo, N. Ludwig, Misurare l'arte. Analisi scientifiche per lo studio dei beni culturali, Bruno Mondadori, Milano, 2010 - chapters 1 to 7.

4. L. Paolillo, I. Giudicianni, La Diagnostica nei Beni Culturali. Moderni Metodi di Indagine, Loghìa, Napoli, 2009 - to be agreed.

Recommended reading: J.Henderson, The Science and Archaeology of  Materials: an investigation of inorganic materials, Routledge, London ; New York, 2000.

Teaching methods

Lectures, laboratory experiences with the involvement of the students in the realisation and the interpretation of the results. Exam of case studies.

Assessment methods

During the oral exam the student will be asked to discuss a case study treated during the course and to plan an archaeometric study, also on the basis of the laboratory experiences presented during the course.

Teaching tools

Laboratory, PC

Office hours

See the website of Mariangela Vandini