http://hdl.handle.net/10174/29429 2026-06-07T14:59:44Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42123 Title: Integrated portable spectroscopy for the analysis of Roman mosaics from Marroquíes Altos, Jaén, Spain Authors: Sanchez, Alberto; Montejo, Manuel; Tujon, José; Vandenabeele, Peter; Valadas, Sara; Reis, Teresa; Reis, Teresa Abstract: This study presents an integrated archaeometric analysis of three key Roman mosaics (Tethys, Erotes, and Scrollworks) from the Marroquíes Altos site (Jaén, Spain), currently displayed at the Museum of Jaén. The aim was to enhance their historical value and define their regional features within the Upper Guadalquivir Valley. The innovative, non-destructive methodology integrated systematic photogrammetric digitization with portable spectroscopic techniques (handheld Raman and h-XRF), which was essential as the mosaics are wall-mounted. A large dataset was generated and processed using multivariate statistical analysis (PCA). Results confirmed the use of locally sourced limestone but, crucially, identified the widespread presence and selective use of ironstone (haematite) across two of the three mosaics. This unique finding strongly supports the existence of a distinctive regional practice within the Roman mosaic school of Jaén, setting the local production apart from other Roman mosaics in Europe and advancing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s material culture. 2026-01-24T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/39534 Title: The “Black Panther”: A multi-analytical study on the statue of the football player Eusébio da Silva Ferreira Authors: Pinheiro, Ana Catarina; Coutinho, Mathilda Larsson; Bottaini, Carlo; Araújo, Marius; Maia, Bárbara Campos; Madureira, Joana; Pereira, Filipa Abstract: The iconic Eusébio da Silva Ferreira statue attracts a lot of attention from Sport Lisboa e Benfica Football fans and fans worldwide who, eager to show their affection and respect for the player, touch and pose with the statue, a proximity that the sports Club promotes and encourages. The statue (classified as a bronze but the alloy was not known) is in a good state of conservation but localised signs of possible corrosion – visible green/blue, orange and white stains - appear intermittently and an alteration to the original position of the statue leaves a cloud of uncertainty when it comes to its physical stability. To address these questions a multi-analytical combined approach was devised with the use of portable equipment (digital microscope, h-XRF, 3D scanner and a Pundit PL-200) and laboratory techniques (µXRD, µRaman and VP-SEM-EDS). Contrary to what was previously thought, the sculpture was produced using a ternary Cu–Sn–Zn alloy rich in Pb. The coloured deposits analysed revealed the presence of Cu, Fe and Zn which translates into active corrosion that needs to be closely monitored. Other deposits are due to atmospheric debris. Copper phthalocyanine, a blue-green pigment was identified which may be related to the patina. The ultrasound technique has allowed the determination of the relative thickness of the statue but fell short of determining the actual position of a sustaining inner rod. Further studies are needed to address this issue. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/39512 Title: Tracing Local Production and Agricultural Trade: A Multi-Analytical Study of Roman Amphorae at Conímbriga (Central Portugal) Authors: Buraca, Ida; Olveira, César; Bottaini, Carlo; Correia, Vírgilio Hipólito; Schiavon, Nicola; Mirão, José; Beltrame, Massimo Abstract: Amphorae are a significant type of Roman pottery, serving as both transport containers and indicators of economic and technological practices across the Empire. Despite their importance in interpreting local economic dynamics in Roman Lusitania, the production origins, technological characteristics and functional roles of amphorae from Conímbriga in Portugal remain poorly understood. Previous research has focused primarily on typological comparisons with imported forms, providing limited insight into whether these vessels were produced locally or how they were incorporated into regional trade and agricultural systems. This study takes a multi-analytical approach to examine a group of ten amphorae dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD. While these vessels formally resemble well-known types from Gaul and Hispania, they appear to have been manufactured locally using fabrics consistent with those found in regional common wares. To examine the raw materials, production techniques and possible contents, the analysis integrates a typological assessment with a range of archaeometric methods, including optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Recent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) results contextualise these data further, enabling an exploration of how specific technological choices may have influenced or reflected the intended function of the amphorae. The findings shed new light on local ceramic production and contributed to broader debates concerning Roman provincial economies and material culture. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38801 Title: The Decorated Garden Grotto of Condes de Basto Palace in Évora, Portugal: Microbial Community Characterization and Biocide Tests for Conservation Authors: Silva, I; Salvador, Cátia; Arantes, S; Miller, A; Candeias, A; Caldeira, A Teresa Abstract: The Eugénio de Almeida Foundation’s Casa de Fresco is a historical monument of valuable historic–artistic significance, which currently reveals an assortment of biofilms due to the proliferation of microorganisms in the stone and rocaille elements. The biodeterioration in this area was studied as part of the Conservation and Restoration Project. We effectively characterized the local microbial community using modern high-throughput DNA analysis. Our results suggested the existence of a variety of lichens or lichenized fungi, including genera such as Variospora, Verrucaria, Circinaria, and Caloplaca. Furthermore, we detected several prokaryote microorganisms related to the identification of these lichens. To properly deal with this microbiological issue and avoid fungal recolonization, we evaluated available commercial antimicrobial treatments. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z