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Roman amber identified as Siegburgite
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 18:08 authored by Christian DietzChristian Dietz, Catanzariti, G, Quintero, S, Jimeno, AA small amber fragment from the period of roman occupation of Numantia (Garray, Spain) was characterised by FTIR spectroscopy and optical microscopy. The material was found to be a polystyrene-like material, which is a very rare fossil resin known as Siegburgite or class III amber. Until now, this material was found in Europe only at two sites, both localised in Germany and it is the first time that similar archaeological amber was identified. The discussion includes the applicability of the method to distinguish false from true and amber of different origin, it’s use and trading as well as a hypothesis for a transport route. The study highlights the need for a more systematic study of archaeological amber remains. The finding also proves the exploitation and trading of local, non-Baltic amber deposits throughout the Roman Empire.
History
Publication title
Archaeological and Anthropological SciencesVolume
6Pagination
63-72ISSN
1866-9557Publisher
Springer-VerlagPlace of publication
HeidelbergRights statement
Copyright 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin HeidelbergRepository Status
- Restricted