Archaeometric Study on Roman Painted Terracottas from the Sanctuary of Hercules in Alba Fucens (Abruzzo, Italy)

In a period spanning from the 7th to the 1st century BC, the exterior surfaces of civil and sacred buildings in Italy were mainly decorated with terracottas. The aim of this study is to determine the skills and technological level reached by ancient manufacturers of painted ceramics from the sanctuary of Hercules in the archaeological site of Alba Fucens (Abruzzo, Central Italy). A multi-analytical approach including X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), mu-Raman and portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) was applied to determine the mineralogical composition of terracotta samples and to identify the pigments decorating the ceramics. The studied terracottas were decorated using valuable pigments such as Egyptian blue as well as a palette of colors common in the Roman period from the 3rd to the 1st century BC. The mineralogical composition of the ceramics allows estimating a firing temperature lower than 800 degrees C. Finally, a local origin of raw materials is suggested by the presence of alluvial and lake deposits outcropping in the Fucino area.

Automated summary

This study examines the ancient painted ceramics from the sanctuary of Hercules in Alba Fucens, Italy, using a multi-analytical approach. The research aims to determine the skills and technology level of the ancient manufacturers and identify the pigments used in the ceramics. The findings indicate the use of valuable pigments, a low firing temperature, and a local origin of raw materials.