When the time stops: The Grotta dei Cocci (Terni, Italy)

Ceramic findings from Grotta dei Cocci and dating back to the Early Neolithic were studied. The ceramic samples have been characterized by a combined use of Optical Microscopy (OM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDAX) to define the mineralogical assemblage, to estimate firing conditions and to provide information on raw materials used for the production. The results show that the main mineral inclusions are quartz, flint and carbonate rocks and minor amount of biotite, calcite, feldspar and pyroxene; in addiction, fragments of magmatic rocks have been identified. The optical active matrix and the presence of mineral inclusions of primary calcite allow the estimation of the maximum firing temperature in the range 750-850 degrees C under uncontrolled atmosphere conditions. Finally, a local origin of raw materials is supported by the presence of sedimentary and magmatic rocks that outcrop close to the archaeological site. (c) 2020 SECV. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

The ceramic findings from Grotta dei Cocci, dating back to the Early Neolithic period, were analyzed using Optical Microscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The study identified the mineralogical composition, firing conditions, and local origin of the raw materials used for production.