Search

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of loose glass tesserae from the Northwest Quarter of Gerasa/Jerash has enhanced our understanding of the dynamics regulating the production and circulation of glass tesserae in second- to eighth-centuries ce Jordan and the diachronic development of mosaics at the site. The identification of Levantine and Egyptian compositions (Roman-Mn, Levantine I, HIMT, Foy 2.1) proves the continuous production of mosaics from the second to the seventh centuries. The Levantine I tesserae were made by the recycling and colouring of glass cullet. The gilded tesserae, in contrast, were all of an Egyptian base glass, likely illustrating the import of finished tesserae.

Portus Ilicitanus (Picola, Alicante) was the main sea harbour of the Roman Colonia Iulia Ilici Augusta and as such played a crucial role in the supply of fundamental commodities to the Iberian Peninsula. Excavations yielded large quantities of glass in fourth‐ and early fifth‐century contexts. Elemental analysis of 60 samples by laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) confirmed that the glasses were imported from the Eastern Mediterranean. A majority of the glasses correspond to the HIMTa primary production group, which originates from Egypt. The statistical evaluation of published data of 589 HIMT glasses further revealed differential distribution patterns of the HIMTa and HIMTb subtypes between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, suggesting chronological trends that are linked to wider geopolitical changes. This demonstrates the need for systematic large‐scale approaches to identify supply patterns and possible factors underlying geographical differences and/or chronological developments. This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 647315 to NS).

Forty-seven window and vessel glasses from the ‘Great Temple’ at Petra (Jordan), dating to the first/second and fourth centuries CE, were analysed by EPMA for major and minor elements. A subset of 29 samples from Petra and 15 samples from Khirbet et-Tannur were additionally analysed for trace elements, using LA–ICP–MS. Six compositional groups were identified on the basis of the presence of decolouring agents. The majority of the glasses derive ultimately from the Levantine coast, but most of the groups show evidence for highly selective recycling. The observed differences between the two sites could be related to different chronological ranges, functions, relative wealth and trade connections. ispartof: Archaeometry vol:54 pages:997-1022 status: published