Major and trace-element concentrations determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) show that three pottery groups can be distinguished involving the characterization of new amphora production sites at the Adriatic coast. This paper focuses on three different research questions: (1) characterize the amphora production at Acquabona, (2) identify possible chronological differences in raw material use, (3) define the relation of the ceramics with the excavated kilns and samples clay and soil material. The selection of raw materials is chronologically diversified and corresponds with the local production of amphora (175-25 BC). Groups are distinguished using SiO2, CaO, Sr and Zr data combined with statistical factor and cluster analysis. Using geochemical analysis in determining pottery production proved to be successful in determining local signatures of ceramics and clays. In this study alkaline earth minerals (e.g. Ba and Sr) and high field strength elements (e.g. Zr) are considered useful for provenance studies taking into account the variety of clays and non-plastic materials used in manufacturing ceramics.

Geochemical exploration of pottery and kiln fragments by ICP-OES at Aquabona (northeast Italy): Identifying late Republican and early Imperial Roman amphora production

245th National Meeting (2013)

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