Archaeometric investigations on fragrant substances and therapeutic compounds in the ancient Mediterranean basins.

Profil Titel	Archaeometric investigations on fragrant substances and therapeutic compounds in the ancient Mediterranean basins.
Referenz	12 IT 55X7 3OJU
Herkunftsland	Italy
Kooperationsart	Angebot
Eintrag/Änderung	2012-03-21 / 2013-03-19
Status	update

Kurzfassung

An Italian Research Centre has developed expertise on archaeometric surveys. Chemical-toxicological analysis have been carried out on organic substances present in samples taken from archaeological excavations in some Mediterranean Basin areas, in order to characterize the type of plants used in fabricating ancient aromatic substances and ointments. The Institute would offer its technical and scientific cooperation on similar researches. It looks for financial resources too.

Details

Archaeometric investigations make use of paleopalynological and chromatographic analysis. Namely, the investigation carried out use several colour-test methods. These methods consist on dissolving residues extracted from archaeological sediments in acidified or alkalinised solvents, in order to trigger, with an appropriate reagent, the development of a specific colour that narrows the analytic field; in the end, it will be possible to recognise the unknown substance by a specific reaction. The extreme sensitivity of these reactions makes it possible to work with very small quantities of archaeological sediments. Besides, the research centre offers analysis with HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography and ICP-AES - Ignate Coupoled Plasma system. Current studies concern researches on organic substances present in samples taken from archaeological excavations in some Mediterranean Basin areas, in order to characterize the type of plants used in fabricating aromatic substances and ointments used in different periods on that area.Innovative Aspects:This kinds of integrated investigations on fragrant components give exhaustive information on substances founded in a territory, enhancing the knowledge of the ancient civilizations settled in that area. It has been demonstrated through this kind of analysis the close link between fragrance/perfumes and ancient religious traditions (offerings of sacrifices, funeral rites, embalming) for instance.