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Mobile Raman and XRF systems are particularly suitable for the study of cultural heritage objects, allowing in situ, nondestructive analysis on a large variety of materials. Nowadays, thanks to technological developments, the size of the new generation of mobile instruments is reduced. Moreover, operation of the instrumentation is straightforward, as most instrumental settings and data interpretation are automated. However, automated data processing should be evaluated carefully and the risks of incorrect data collection and/or interpretation must be considered and prevented. Therefore, the aim of this research is to start a discussion about some of the challenging aspects and pitfalls, which can be encountered when using mobile techniques. Data collection and interpretation are examined when dealing with works of art. Those aspects are highlighted based on a measuring campaign carried out in Tuscany (Italy) in three different contexts: an archaeological excavation in the Late Roman Villa dell'Oratorio (Capraia-Limite sull'Arno, Florence), the analysis of a mosaic at the façade of the Pisa Cathedral and studies inside the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Pisa), where some outdoor statues are exhibited. Measurements were acquired with two state-of-the-art mobile Raman and one handheld X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Classical Period (300 BC–400 AD), the Indian Ocean emerged as one of the largest hubs of ancient international trade. For a long period, these contacts were described from a Rome-centric point of view, looking at the connections between Rome and India. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the Roman-Indo connection was only one of the vast medium and short distance trade routes involving numerous regions and populations, exchanging goods and culture. Current archaeological investigations have demonstrated that several minor trade dynamics formed the primary connective tissue of the Indian Ocean. This study attempts to trace these mid-range connections by focusing on the transport of torpedo jars, recently found in several settlements throughout the Indian Ocean. Two archaeological sites were considered: Al Hamr al-Sharqiya 1 (Inqitat, southern Oman), and the port of Alagankulam (southern India). An analytical protocol based on thin sections analysis, SEM–EDS, XRD and GC/MS was applied to a selection of fragments from the two archaeological sites. The analytical investigation carried out on these vessels identified three different ceramic compositions, which distributed differently in the two sites, characterized by a black coating due to a similar bitumen source. The location of the production sites and comparative studies between these vessels and reference materials available in the literature enabled us to cast new light on the routes followed by the torpedo jars, from Mesopotamia to India and Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]