A multi-analytical investigation of Imperial (I-II century AD) Roman cooking ware from ‘Villa della Piscina’ and the so called ‘Minerva Medica Temple’ (Rome, Italy)

Abstract

A multi-analytical approach based on colourimetry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction, has been applied to investigate Roman cooking ware samples dating back to imperial age (I-II century AD). In particular, the highly distinctive production of pots coming from two different archaeological sites, ‘Villa della Piscina’ at Centocelle district and the so called ‘Minerva Medica Temple’ at Esquilino district (Rome, Italy), was studied characterising the colour, the chemical, mineralogical and petrographic distinctive properties of the investigated samples, in order to compare technological and provenance aspects. Classification of ceramic fragment by colorimetry, integrated by compositional studies with a main contribution of micro-Raman spectroscopy, allows to discriminate between superior and inferior quality cooking ware and evaluate the compatibility of the investigated samples with some pottery realised in known manufacturing sites in Lazio. Compositional and petrographic features allow assignment of samples from ‘Villa della Piscina’ testifying productions in the surroundings of Rome, while an importation from outsider workshops is hypothesised for the ceramic fragments from the so called ‘Minerva Medica Temple’. For these, an importation from outsider workshop is hypothesised.