Archaeometric study of ceramic findings from the site of the Roman villa in Fiumana (Italy)

Abstract The important archaeological site in Fiumana (Predappio, Forlì-Cesena, Emilia Romagna, Italy), where the excavations recently restarted, is currently under investigation. Archaeological excavations identified at least two phases of a housing context: an urban-rustic villa dating back to early Imperial Roman age converted in a big residential complex during Late Antiquity. The large amount of materials recovered allowed to characterize and possibly compare different types of pottery from two main phases (Imperial age and Late Antiquity), coming from the same place: cooking pottery, common ware, red-painted ceramic and terra sigillata , amphorae, mortaria . These ceramic findings have been analysed by a combined use of optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Minero-petrographic observations showed main features of samples (matrix, microstructure, inclusions). X-ray power diffraction analysis enabled identification and quantification of mineral phases suggesting important insight about the technological processes. The support of micro-Raman spectroscopy allowed a more complete recognition of raw materials and firing procedures (atmosphere and temperature). Finally, the results obtained by the investigation of different ceramic classes allowed for comparative evaluation of various kinds of ceramic materials from the Roman age in terms of their composition, manufacturing technology, nature and, where applicable, the provenance of the raw materials. Graphical abstract