Title
Compositional variation in Roman colourless glass objects from the bocholtz burial (the Netherlands)
Author
Huisman, D.J.
de Groot, T.
Pols, S.
van Os, B.J.H.
Degryse, P.
TNO Bouw en Ondergrond
Publication year
2009
Abstract
We investigated the major and trace element composition and Pb and Sr isotope characteristics of a series of about 20 colourless glass objects from a single high-status Roman burial from the Netherlands (Bocholtz). The major elements show a relatively homogeneous group, with one outlier. This is corroborated by the Sr isotopes. Based on the Sb and Pb content, three major groups can be discerned, with two other outliers. This grouping is corroborated by the contents of the trace elements Bi, Sn, Ag, As and Mo, and by variations in lead isotopic ratios. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the glass of all objects was probably made with sand and lime from the same source. The variation in trace elements and lead isotope composition is most likely the result of variations in the composition of the sulphidic antimony ore(s) that were used to decolourize the glass. The composition of the Bocholtz glass is compared with that of other Roman glass, and implications for production models, trade and use of colourless glass objects are discussed. On the basis of isotopic and major element variation, we conclude that the antimony ore presumably originated from different mines. © 2009 University of Oxford.
Subject
Geosciences
Antimony
Closed find
Glass production
Lead isotopes
Netherlands
Roman
Strontium isotopes
Sulphidicore
Trace elements
antimony
glass
isotopic composition
isotopic ratio
lead isotope
strontium isotope
trace element
Benelux
Eurasia
Europe
Netherlands
Western Europe
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:174a18a0-6379-40ec-ba97-b4e7f42bc690
TNO identifier
241540
ISSN
0003-813X
Source
Archaeometry, 51 (3), 413-439
Document type
article