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A multi-analytical study has been carried out on a collection of white and coloured Iberian marbles. A total of 135 marble specimens were collected in Spain and Portugal from the Betic chain (Alhaurin de la Torre, Mijas, Macael), Ossa Morena (Alconera, Almaden de la Plata and Viana do Alentejo), and the Estremoz Anticline (Bencatel, Borba and Estremoz) areas. X-ray diffractometry and carbon and oxygen stable isotope analysis were carried out on these samples; 38 samples were also investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results provide a set of diagnostic parameters that allow discriminating the sampled marble quarries. The carbonate minerals composition is distinctive for the Mijas and Alhaurin de la Torre marbles; the isotopic analysis allows discriminating also between these two dolomitic marble quarries. The Ossa Morena and Estremoz Anticline marbles share a similar stable isotope composition; the accessory mineral content, the maximum grain size (MGS) and the fabric are particularly useful in the distinction between them. In the framework of archaeometric provenance studies on Thamusida (Kenitra, Morocco) Roman marble artefacts, a specific comparison between this new Iberian database and archaeological findings has been carried out. The hypothesis of commercial exchanges between the Iberian regions and Roman Morocco is supported by the results of the provenance study, which suggested the Almaden de la Plata and Mijas quarries as possible sources of raw materials for the production of archaeological artefacts.

Petrographic, mineralogical, and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O values) compositions were used to characterise marbles and sedimentary carbonate rocks from central Morocco, which are considered to be a likely source of ornamental and building material from Roman time to the present day. This new data set was used in the frame of an archaeometric provenance study on Roman artefacts from the town of Thamusida (Kenitra, north Morocco), to assess the potential employment of these rocks for the manufacture of the archaeological materials. A representative set of samples from marbles and other carbonate rocks (limestone, dolostone) were collected in several quarries and outcrops in the Moroccan Meseta, in a region extending from the Meknes–Khenifra alignment to the Atlantic Ocean. All the samples were studied using a petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical methods. The petrographic and minerological investigations (optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction) allowed to group the carbonate rocks in limestones, foliated limestone, diagenetic breccias and dolostone. The limestones could be further grouped as mudstones, wackestones–packstones, crinoid grainstones, oolitic grainstone and floatstones. Textural differences allowed to define marbles varieties. The stable carbon and oxygen isotope composition proved to be quite useful in the discrimination of marble sources, with apparently less discriminatory potential for carbonate rocks.

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A total of 67 bricks and tiles found in different archaeological contexts during excavations at Thamusida have been investigated here. The first analysed set consists of 27 bricks found in the area of an Islamic ceramic workshop, which was active at Thamusida from the 8th century onwards. The second set of 40 bricks and tiles was found mostly in situ. They date to the Roman occupation of the site (1st-3rd century AD). Thirteen of them bear different types of stamps. In addition, two types of clay (7 samples) from the surrounding area were analysed as reference for the materials used in the local ceramic production. The samples were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. The results allowed reconstructing two local productions of building materials: one during Roman and one during Islamic times, both using local grey tirs (without any manipulation or temper additions) as raw materials. Imports were further identified, tracing both short- and medium-range trade connections. Banasa could be addressed as a likely production site of bricks stamped QAP and APP, while the bay of Tangiers should be indicated as a likely provenance of bricks stamped C∞ and HADRIAVG. The ratio between local productions and imports changed in the second half of the 2nd century AD. The earlier phase of the settlement used both local and imported building materials, while the local productions seem to completely replace imports in the later phase.

Lo studio si propone di analizzare aspetti dell’economia legati all’allevamento, alla caccia ed alla pesca di un insediamento di cui sono note archeologicamente la fase di frequentazione indigena-maora e quella relativa all’impianto ed all’abbandono del presidio militare di età imperiale. In età pre-romana l’attività di tipo pastorale appare rivolta soprattutto all’utilizzo dei suini; ampia, per il periodo di III-IV sec. d.C., risulta la presenza delle tre principali specie domestiche, bovini, ovicaprini e suini, con una predominanza della prima rispetto alle altre. La frequente attestazione di animali da tiro contribuirebbe a delineare una sostenuta economia di tipo agrario-estensiva nel territorio. Il confronto tra i due periodi storici considerati non mostrerebbe sostanziali variazioni, ad eccezione, in età imperiale, di un rafforzamento dell’agricoltura a scapito dell’allevamento suino, e dell’intensificazione di pratiche pastorali collegabili a pecore e capre. Di particolare interesse appare anche il ruolo svolto nell’economia e nell’artigianato del sito da faune proprie del Nord Africa (camelidi, grandi felidi) e dalla pesca.

Vol. 2, L'archéometria

Vol. 2, L'archéometria

Vol. 2, L'archéometria

Vol. 2, L'archéometria

Vol. 2, L'archéometria