The colours of Segesta. Searching for the traces of the lost pigments

Many monuments and objects of the ancient civilizations were painted, but unfortunately the pigments are not still present and sometimes only small traces are evident. The analysis of the traces requires a multianalytical approach through the use of non-invasive techniques and only if necessary of a microsampling. Here, the study of the traces of colours found in some architectural elements and findings belonging to the Archeological Park of Segesta (Trapani, Italy) is reported. The traces are identified and characterised via several techniques such as Optical Microscopy, UV-Fluorescence Imaging, Fiber Optical Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and FT-IR Spectroscopy. Various pigments were identified, some of which are no longer clearly visible to the naked eye: hematite, umber, vegetable black and bone black. Despite the small amount of detectable pigment, the performed investigations allowed us to define part of the pictorial palette to imagine and relive the past in one place.(c) 2022 Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The analysis and identification of color traces found in architectural elements and artifacts from the Archeological Park of Segesta (Trapani, Italy) were conducted using various non-invasive techniques. The study identified several pigments, including hematite, umber, vegetable black, and bone black. Despite the limited amount of detectable pigment, the investigation provided insight into the ancient civilizations and allowed for a glimpse into the past.