The contribution of archeometry in characterization of decorative materials from the site of Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Italy)

Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Forli-Cesena, Emilia Romagna) is an important archeological site in the north of Italy occupied from sixth century BC to twelfth century AD. The most interesting results concern the Roman age, when a large villa was built, and the late antiquity, when the Ostrogothic king Theodoric decided to build in this area his palatium (early sixth century AD). The archeometric investigation was performed on Roman wall paintings fragments and on late antique glass sectilia fragments belonging to Palazzo di Teodorico by using a multi-technique approach that included micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, UV-visible-NIR diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry with optic fibers and optical stereo-microscopy.. This analytical approach allowed the identification of all components, collecting molecular, elemental, microscopic, morphological and chromatic data. The characterization of samples supplied essential archeological, historical and technological information. The production techniques and the rich materials employed suggest the importance of the site in different periods. The evolution of the manufacturing technologies and the possible trade routes mainly during late antique period are witnessed by the change in the raw materials.

Automated summary

Villa di Teodorico in Galeata is an important archaeological site in Italy, occupied from the 6th century BC to the 12th century AD. The most interesting findings are related to the Roman and late antique periods, with the construction of a large villa and the palace of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric in the area. A multi-technique approach was used to analyze Roman wall paintings fragments and late antique glass sectilia fragments, providing essential archaeological, historical, and technological information. The evolution of manufacturing technologies and trade routes during the late antique period were revealed by changes in raw materials.