From Mountains to Plains: XRF analysis of ceramic grave goods from Pofi and Satricum, 5th-4th centuries BCE, southern Lazio

This thesis presents an XRF study of ceramic materials from necropolises at two archaeological sites in southern Lazio, dating to the late and post-Archaic periods. The sites, Pofi and Satricum, share similar burial practices and grave goods, traditionally associated with the Volscians, a pre-Roman group believed to have migrated from the Umbrian region. Satricum, located in the Pontine Marshes, is well-documented, whereas the excavation at Pofi was smaller and unpublished. This study analyzes the extent to which the funerary goods at Pofi and Satricum relate to their clay processing techniques and sourcing. The results indicate possible similar treatments in fine wares, with both sites exhibiting two distinct fine ware groups, one enriched in Sr and Ca, suggesting a limestone component. Bi-variate plots for elements that have proven useful in other archaeometric studies were produced. For each site, the study compares fine wares, impasto, red-slipped, and coarse wares, concluding...Show moreThis thesis presents an XRF study of ceramic materials from necropolises at two archaeological sites in southern Lazio, dating to the late and post-Archaic periods. The sites, Pofi and Satricum, share similar burial practices and grave goods, traditionally associated with the Volscians, a pre-Roman group believed to have migrated from the Umbrian region. Satricum, located in the Pontine Marshes, is well-documented, whereas the excavation at Pofi was smaller and unpublished. This study analyzes the extent to which the funerary goods at Pofi and Satricum relate to their clay processing techniques and sourcing. The results indicate possible similar treatments in fine wares, with both sites exhibiting two distinct fine ware groups, one enriched in Sr and Ca, suggesting a limestone component. Bi-variate plots for elements that have proven useful in other archaeometric studies were produced. For each site, the study compares fine wares, impasto, red-slipped, and coarse wares, concluding with an analysis of the entire assemblage. After analyzing both sites, the results are combined to identify any previously identified outliers correlating with the chemical signatures of the other site. Notably, one Satrican vessel, P1537, has a chemical composition similar to that of the Pofi vessels. While the provenance of other outliers remains undetermined, it is possible to suggest their origins based on the region's geology. Further studies comparing similar vessels from contemporary sites could be beneficial. In the combined analysis section (Ch. 6), slip technologies are investigated by identifying groups based on the similar chemical composition of their fabric, taking the average, and comparing this to the average slip composition for these respective groups. Although the sample size was insufficient for a successful analysis of the red-slip bowls, the slip analysis for the black gloss vessels revealed slightly different technologies for Satricum and Pofi, with one slip group enriched and the other depleted in barium (Ba) content. The results align with pre-existing research traditions and assumptions about site dynamics. Satricum exhibited more possible imports than Pofi, suggesting a high degree of connectivity. Pofi, to a lesser extent, also fits within this network framework. Overall, the conclusions provide valuable insights, suggesting that future investigations, Overall, the conclusions proved insightful, although future investigations, specifically around Pofi and similar sites, can improve our understanding of the late to post-Archaic periods in southern Lazio and allow for better synthesis between archaeometric data and the archaeological context. The techniques employed in this thesis proved invaluable, although further excavations, thin section analysis, and an archaeological survey of the Sacco River Valley will provide the necessary information to connect the archaeometric data with its archaeological context and how it fits into regional narratives.Show less

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From Mountains to Plains: XRF analysis of ceramic grave goods from Pofi and Satricum, 5th-4th centuries BCE, southern Lazio