Archaeometric data from the Via dei Sepolcri ceramic workshop in Pompeii (Southern Italy)

Abstract

The present article provides chemical, paleontological and mineralogical data obtained during an archaeometric characterization of 40 samples (33 pottery sherds, 5 clay samples, 1 sand sample and 1 red earth pigment) collected in the Via dei Sepolcri ceramic workshop in Pompeii, Italy. The workshop was still active during the 79 CE eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and the archaeometric data obtained in our investigation reveal distinct differences between pottery and geological raw materials belonging to an early 'Phase 1′ production (from the beginning of the 1st century CE to the 62 CE earthquake) and a subsequent 'Phase 2′ production (from the 62 CE earthquake to the 79 CE eruption). These data inform the discussions and interpretations presented in the article entitled “A pottery workshop in Pompeii unveils new insights on the Roman ceramics crafting tradition and raw materials trade”, edited by Grifa et al. [1].

Keywords

• Ceramic production
• Thin Walled pottery
• Via dei Sepolcri
• Pompeii
• Raw materials
• Campania region