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A set of 14 glass fragments and production remains dated to the 16th and 17th centuries was collected during rescue archaeological works conducted in Granada, Spain, and was characterised by µ-PIXE. This preliminary study constitutes the first analytical approach to glass manufacturing remains from a Spanish production dated to the early-modern period. µ-PIXE allowed for the quantification of major, minor and some trace elements of the glass fragments. It also allowed mapping the elemental distribution on the fragments that were identified as an interface of crucible/glass. This analysis constitutes an evaluation of the ionic exchange between glass and crucible. The glass colours vary from the natural green and blue hues to completely colourless samples. The results show that the majority of the glass samples are of soda-lime-silicate composition, and only one proved to be of a potassium-rich composition. From this, one can hypothesise that glass rich in sodium (following the Mediterranean tradition) and potassium-rich glass (following a central and north European tradition) were both locally produced. Since this location was known as la Calle Horno del Vidrio (Glass Furnace Street) and several production evidences were found, it is highly probable that an artisanal glass production existed in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information from excavations in Conde de Trenor street (1997) and Cisneros square (1986 and 1998) has confirmed that this area situated in the north of Valencia was a river port district dedicated to commercial activities and storing goods during the Roman Imperial period and maybe also in the Republican period. At the end of the third century A.D. the function of these port buildings changed and the evidence suggests that they became industrial workshops. The bases of three circular furnaces were found with fragments of glass containers, bottles, glasses, window panes and some slag. The recent excavation which took place in 2004–2006 in the Palau Cerveró, 4 Cisneros square also shows a situation where a port building of the High Imperial period was transformed into a workshop at the end of the third century. This incident can be related to the diverse violent episodes which took place in Valencia between 270 and 280 affecting both the residential zones and the forum. At sometime in the fourth century this workshop was shut down. This episode must be contextualised within the general processes of change which affected the whole city in the Late Roman period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]