Areti Damala, E. Hornecker, M. V. D. Vaart, D. Dijk, I. Ruthven
With the advent of digital museum interactives as a widely available learning offer in all types of museums, including history of art and archaeology museums, an ongoing debate has been established: Do these - usually screen-based - museum interactives assist visitors in focusing on museum objects and artefacts? Or do they distract and take away the attention from the real museum objects on display? We present the Loupe, a tangible Augmented Reality prototype in form of a magnifying lens, which allows museum visitors to get information in context about museum artefacts. We detail the design and content creation process that was employed in order to create a thematic tour for the the Greek Gallery of Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam. An evaluation study with 22 adult participants was carried out, using both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies, so as to explore the utility and usability of the Loupe as well its learning and affective impact. Our findings suggest that the acceptance of the Loupe as a museum interactive and learning resource, was related both with its qualities as a tangible as well as with the structure of the content and the narratives revealed.
{"title":"The Loupe: tangible augmented reality for learning to look at Ancient Greek art","authors":"Areti Damala, E. Hornecker, M. V. D. Vaart, D. Dijk, I. Ruthven","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.204970","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.204970","url":null,"abstract":"With the advent of digital museum interactives as a widely available learning offer in all types of museums, including history of art and archaeology museums, an ongoing debate has been established: Do these - usually screen-based - museum interactives assist visitors in focusing on museum objects and artefacts? Or do they distract and take away the attention from the real museum objects on display? We present the Loupe, a tangible Augmented Reality prototype in form of a magnifying lens, which allows museum visitors to get information in context about museum artefacts. We detail the design and content creation process that was employed in order to create a thematic tour for the the Greek Gallery of Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam. An evaluation study with 22 adult participants was carried out, using both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies, so as to explore the utility and usability of the Loupe as well its learning and affective impact. Our findings suggest that the acceptance of the Loupe as a museum interactive and learning resource, was related both with its qualities as a tangible as well as with the structure of the content and the narratives revealed.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"30 1","pages":"73-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85207173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper will propose and address issues that contribute to a serious challenge for virtual heritage: that there are few successful, accessible and durable examples of computer game technology and genres applied to heritage. Secondly, it will argue that the true potential of computers for heritage has not been fully leveraged and it will provide a case study of a game engine technology not used explicitly as a game but as a serious pedagogical tool for 3D digital heritage environments.
{"title":"A 3D pedagogical heritage tool using game technology","authors":"E. Champion","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.204967","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.204967","url":null,"abstract":"This paper will propose and address issues that contribute to a serious challenge for virtual heritage: that there are few successful, accessible and durable examples of computer game technology and genres applied to heritage. Secondly, it will argue that the true potential of computers for heritage has not been fully leveraged and it will provide a case study of a game engine technology not used explicitly as a game but as a serious pedagogical tool for 3D digital heritage environments.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"25 1","pages":"63-72"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73629130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Maltese island have megalithic temples of extraordinary interest for archaeoastronomy. In literature we find different works that involve most of its archaeological sites. The temple of Borġ in-Nadur, set on the top of a hill by the Marsaxlokk Bay in southern Malta, is less well known than the rest of the others, even though it started off as a major attraction for grand tourists and travellers in the Early Modern and Colonial periods. It was explored in the second half of the 1920s by a team of British archaeologists, led by Margaret Murray, who gradually uncovered the ruins of typical Maltese megalithic temple dated to the 3rd millennium BC. In 2011 the efforts of an international team of scholars brought to the publication of a general reassessment of the evidences about the temple of Borġ in-Nadur and the artefacts collected during its exploration, emphasizing its importance for the Maltese Temple Period. The new picture that emerged has reactivate the research around the Borġ in-Nadur temple attracting for the first time the interest of scholars in archaeoastronomy. The archaeoastronomical study of the Borġ in-Nadur’s archaeological site is the first of its kind, as the archaeological remains were put into evidence in 2010, and pays particular attention to the temple. At the moment it is difficult to determine the exact plan of the entire temple, and therefore its axes, but the apsidal building and the main entrance are quite intact. Although this research is at its early stage of development, with regards to archaeoastronomical issues and features related with the temple of Borġ inNadur some preliminary considerations can be put forth.
{"title":"Rediscovering the Maltese Temple of Borġ In-Nadur: An Archaeoastronomical Perspective","authors":"D. Tanasi","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.22091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.22091","url":null,"abstract":"The Maltese island have megalithic temples of extraordinary interest for archaeoastronomy. In literature we find different works that involve most of its archaeological sites. The temple of Borġ in-Nadur, set on the top of a hill by the Marsaxlokk Bay in southern Malta, is less well known than the rest of the others, even though it started off as a major attraction for grand tourists and travellers in the Early Modern and Colonial periods. It was explored in the second half of the 1920s by a team of British archaeologists, led by Margaret Murray, who gradually uncovered the ruins of typical Maltese megalithic temple dated to the 3rd millennium BC. In 2011 the efforts of an international team of scholars brought to the publication of a general reassessment of the evidences about the temple of Borġ in-Nadur and the artefacts collected during its exploration, emphasizing its importance for the Maltese Temple Period. The new picture that emerged has reactivate the research around the Borġ in-Nadur temple attracting for the first time the interest of scholars in archaeoastronomy. The archaeoastronomical study of the Borġ in-Nadur’s archaeological site is the first of its kind, as the archaeological remains were put into evidence in 2010, and pays particular attention to the temple. At the moment it is difficult to determine the exact plan of the entire temple, and therefore its axes, but the apsidal building and the main entrance are quite intact. Although this research is at its early stage of development, with regards to archaeoastronomical issues and features related with the temple of Borġ inNadur some preliminary considerations can be put forth.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"38 1","pages":"175-178"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86663467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The ziqqurat is the symbol of the Mesopotamian sacred architecture in the western thought. This monument, standardized at the end of the III millennium BC by the kings of the Third Dynasty of Ur, has changed during the history of Mesopotamia its shape and architecture, but remained till the end of the Neo-Babylonian Period in the I millennium BC the highest structure of the city. The ziqqurat is the only monument visible over the settlements wall with a strong visual impact around the urban and the countryside landscape. Despite its simple structural function, a high mud brick platform to sustain an upper temple, the ziqqurat appears in the Mesopotamian art and literature as a structure of primary importance, a connection between the earth, domain of the god Enlil, with the sky, domain of the god Anu. The ideological function to connect the earth and the sky was related also with the rituals performed in the high temples built above these monuments, usually linked with important seasonal royal rituals. The paper will analyze this particular aspect of ziqqurat, looking also to their orientations and to the changing in the relationship between these monuments and the urban landscape through the centuries.
{"title":"THE SKY FROM THE HIGH TERRACE: STUDY ON THE ORIENTATION OF THE ZIQQURAT IN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA","authors":"Davide Nadali, Andrea Polcaro","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.220907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.220907","url":null,"abstract":"The ziqqurat is the symbol of the Mesopotamian sacred architecture in the western thought. This monument, standardized at the end of the III millennium BC by the kings of the Third Dynasty of Ur, has changed during the history of Mesopotamia its shape and architecture, but remained till the end of the Neo-Babylonian Period in the I millennium BC the highest structure of the city. The ziqqurat is the only monument visible over the settlements wall with a strong visual impact around the urban and the countryside landscape. Despite its simple structural function, a high mud brick platform to sustain an upper temple, the ziqqurat appears in the Mesopotamian art and literature as a structure of primary importance, a connection between the earth, domain of the god Enlil, with the sky, domain of the god Anu. The ideological function to connect the earth and the sky was related also with the rituals performed in the high temples built above these monuments, usually linked with important seasonal royal rituals. The paper will analyze this particular aspect of ziqqurat, looking also to their orientations and to the changing in the relationship between these monuments and the urban landscape through the centuries.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"33 1","pages":"103-108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81498505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope results are presented for a sample of human and faunal bones and food remains excavated from Pompeii. The well-preserved organic remains provide a valuable resource to examine ancient lifeways associated with a Roman city during a distinct period of time associated with the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Isotopic results indicate human diets that are consistent with the archaeological and documentary evidence for diverse dietary intake for all residents of Pompeii consisting of a range of cereals, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat from domestic and wild animals. Males had similar animal protein intakes to those of females, but they ingested significantly greater amounts of seafood than females. The great range of dietary variability among and between males and females indicated by the isotopic data suggests the existence of past dietary distinctions based on social role and/or social class. In comparison to other isotopic studies in the region, human diets at Pompeii are similar to those of Danish farmers and coastal Greek colonies in southern Italy (Metaponto) but included greater amounts of marine protein. Carbon isotope values for domestic animals indicate a C3-based terrestrial diet, while nitrogen isotope values distinguish herbivores from omnivores and carnivores.
{"title":"STABLE CARBON AND NITROGEN ISOTOPE EVIDENCE FOR DIETARY VARIABILITY AT ANCIENT POMPEII, ITALY","authors":"F. Pate, R. Henneberg, M. Henneberg","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.35526","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.35526","url":null,"abstract":"Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope results are presented for a sample of human and faunal bones and food remains excavated from Pompeii. The well-preserved organic remains provide a valuable resource to examine ancient lifeways associated with a Roman city during a distinct period of time associated with the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Isotopic results indicate human diets that are consistent with the archaeological and documentary evidence for diverse dietary intake for all residents of Pompeii consisting of a range of cereals, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat from domestic and wild animals. Males had similar animal protein intakes to those of females, but they ingested significantly greater amounts of seafood than females. The great range of dietary variability among and between males and females indicated by the isotopic data suggests the existence of past dietary distinctions based on social role and/or social class. In comparison to other isotopic studies in the region, human diets at Pompeii are similar to those of Danish farmers and coastal Greek colonies in southern Italy (Metaponto) but included greater amounts of marine protein. Carbon isotope values for domestic animals indicate a C3-based terrestrial diet, while nitrogen isotope values distinguish herbivores from omnivores and carnivores.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"24 1","pages":"127-133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80003270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Most scientists agree that modern humans left Africa relatively recently. However, there is less agreement about the number of dispersal events and the route or routes taken by humans and when they migrated out of Africa. The earliest evidence for a dispersal of Homo sapiens into Eurasia comes from the central Levant, but it is unclear how geographically extensive this early dispersal was. Likewise, many researchers agree that Neanderthals dispersed back into the Levant during MIS 5 (123-130 Ka.), but it is uncertain where those populations originated. Information from areas geographically intermediate between the Levant and more distal parts of Eurasia is crucial to obtaining a more realistic understanding of the ebb and flow of human Pleistocene populations. This article examines Middle Paleolithic artifact assemblages from Merdivenli Cave in the Hatay Region, southern Anatolia (Turkey) in order to assess the similarities with better known assemblages from neighboring areas. The stone tools from Merdivenli Cave are characterized Levallois production similar to “Tabun C type” Mousterian assemblages, and therefore it is possible that these assemblages were also associated with archaic Homo sapiens , as in the central Levant.
{"title":"MOUSTERIAN LITHIC ASSEMBLAGES OF MERDIVENLI CAVE","authors":"İ. Baykara, S. Kuhn, Derya Silibolatlaz Baykara","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.35524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.35524","url":null,"abstract":"Most scientists agree that modern humans left Africa relatively recently. However, there is less agreement about the number of dispersal events and the route or routes taken by humans and when they migrated out of Africa. The earliest evidence for a dispersal of Homo sapiens into Eurasia comes from the central Levant, but it is unclear how geographically extensive this early dispersal was. Likewise, many researchers agree that Neanderthals dispersed back into the Levant during MIS 5 (123-130 Ka.), but it is uncertain where those populations originated. Information from areas geographically intermediate between the Levant and more distal parts of Eurasia is crucial to obtaining a more realistic understanding of the ebb and flow of human Pleistocene populations. This article examines Middle Paleolithic artifact assemblages from Merdivenli Cave in the Hatay Region, southern Anatolia (Turkey) in order to assess the similarities with better known assemblages from neighboring areas. The stone tools from Merdivenli Cave are characterized Levallois production similar to “Tabun C type” Mousterian assemblages, and therefore it is possible that these assemblages were also associated with archaic Homo sapiens , as in the central Levant.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"24 1","pages":"101-115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76859790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hossein Sarhaddi-dadian, Zuliskandar Ramli, R. Mehrafarin, Nik Hassan Shuhaimi Nik Abdul Rahman, N. Shuhaimi
The aim of this study is to determine whether pottery shards from new archaeological survey in south region of Sistan are locally made or imported. Many artefacts especially pottery shards have been found during the archaeological survey. These pottery shards are variable in color; from buff, grey, black, and red. The analytical techniques involved X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), that were applied to determine the major and trace elements and also the mineral content of the pottery shards. The results show that most of the pottery shards taken from archaeological survey in Sistan are locally made. Two of the samples from Islamic Period however shows a different content of chemical composition compared to other shards suggesting a different that Sistan origin. A prehistoric shard also shows a different in chemical composition and not originated from Sistan area. The analysis of pottery shards indicate that since prehistoric period, there has been a local production and trade activity in Sintan that continues until the Islamic Period. Result of the analysis also shows that local community at Sistan since prehistoric period are very skilful and keep a tradition in pottery making until Islamic Period.
{"title":"X-RAY DIFFRACTION AND X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF POTTERY SHARDS FROM NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN SOUTH REGION OF SISTAN, IRAN","authors":"Hossein Sarhaddi-dadian, Zuliskandar Ramli, R. Mehrafarin, Nik Hassan Shuhaimi Nik Abdul Rahman, N. Shuhaimi","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.18357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.18357","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this study is to determine whether pottery shards from new archaeological survey in south region of Sistan are locally made or imported. Many artefacts especially pottery shards have been found during the archaeological survey. These pottery shards are variable in color; from buff, grey, black, and red. The analytical techniques involved X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), that were applied to determine the major and trace elements and also the mineral content of the pottery shards. The results show that most of the pottery shards taken from archaeological survey in Sistan are locally made. Two of the samples from Islamic Period however shows a different content of chemical composition compared to other shards suggesting a different that Sistan origin. A prehistoric shard also shows a different in chemical composition and not originated from Sistan area. The analysis of pottery shards indicate that since prehistoric period, there has been a local production and trade activity in Sintan that continues until the Islamic Period. Result of the analysis also shows that local community at Sistan since prehistoric period are very skilful and keep a tradition in pottery making until Islamic Period.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"66 1","pages":"45-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74660548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper discusses the analysis and occurrence of organic residues in Iron Age II pottery sherds excavated at the site of Jneneh. Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry was used for separation and identification of organic constituents. Conventional solvent extraction and alkaline hydrolysis (saponification) were used for the extraction of residues preserved in their fabrics. Three sherds among six unwashed and unhandled sherds showed significant preservation of organic constituents derived from natural materials. The results provide data on the occurrence of beeswax that could have been intentionally added on the internal surface of a collared-rim jar for storing liquid substances or dry goods. Unintentional occurrence of beeswax as a result of storing honey including beeswax fragments of the honeycomb is also possible. In addition, biomarkers of plant oil were detected in a medium jug and a small jar that might have been used for daily needs, such as food preparation. The absence of significant organic constituents in the other three vessels could be attributed to the degradation overtime during burial.
{"title":"ORGANIC RESIDUES IN IRON AGE II POTTERY VESSELS FROM JNENEH, JORDAN","authors":"Abdulraouf Mayyas, Khaled A. Douglas","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.18356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.18356","url":null,"abstract":"This paper discusses the analysis and occurrence of organic residues in Iron Age II pottery sherds excavated at the site of Jneneh. Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry was used for separation and identification of organic constituents. Conventional solvent extraction and alkaline hydrolysis (saponification) were used for the extraction of residues preserved in their fabrics. Three sherds among six unwashed and unhandled sherds showed significant preservation of organic constituents derived from natural materials. The results provide data on the occurrence of beeswax that could have been intentionally added on the internal surface of a collared-rim jar for storing liquid substances or dry goods. Unintentional occurrence of beeswax as a result of storing honey including beeswax fragments of the honeycomb is also possible. In addition, biomarkers of plant oil were detected in a medium jug and a small jar that might have been used for daily needs, such as food preparation. The absence of significant organic constituents in the other three vessels could be attributed to the degradation overtime during burial.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"49 1","pages":"31-44"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90537973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study deals with the characterization of building materials used in a monumental pier of Roman age, located at San Cataldo, the main coastal harbour of the Roman town of Lupiae, modern Lecce (Southern Italy). In the manufacture of the outer curtains three different lithologies have been recognized, all comprised in Pietra Leccese Formation, which crops out in a broad geographical area of Salento Peninsula. Microfossils recovered from limestone blocks are used to suggest a provenance for the source-rock. Microfossils include planktonic foraminifera characteristic of the upper Miocene (Tortonian-Messinian) foraminiferal MMi11 (Neogloboquadrina acostaensis Biozone) and MMi13 (Globorotalia miotumida Biozone) biozones. The analysed lithic materials show biostratigraphical characteristics very similar to some samples from Acaya-Struda zone (some 10 km South-West from the ancient harbour): comparative analysis has been performed, supporting a clear identification of the geological origin of limestone blocks. In hydraulic concrete different lithic materials have been used and mixed with a strong mortar. Macroscopic field observation clearly define that limestone clasts, variable in size, derive from the Pliocene Uggiano la Chiesa Formation, that widely crops out locally at San Cataldo; granular fractions of mortar probably derive from beaches and/or sandy dunes, available in the surrounding area, as well.
{"title":"Characterization and Provenance of Building Materials from the Roman Pier at San Cataldo (Lecce, Southern Apulia, Italy): a Lithostratigraphical and Micropaleonthological Approach","authors":"M. Sammarco, S. Margiotta, L. Foresi, G. Ceraudo","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.16604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.16604","url":null,"abstract":"This study deals with the characterization of building materials used in a monumental pier of Roman age, located at San Cataldo, the main coastal harbour of the Roman town of Lupiae, modern Lecce (Southern Italy). In the manufacture of the outer curtains three different lithologies have been recognized, all comprised in Pietra Leccese Formation, which crops out in a broad geographical area of Salento Peninsula. Microfossils recovered from limestone blocks are used to suggest a provenance for the source-rock. Microfossils include planktonic foraminifera characteristic of the upper Miocene (Tortonian-Messinian) foraminiferal MMi11 (Neogloboquadrina acostaensis Biozone) and MMi13 (Globorotalia miotumida Biozone) biozones. The analysed lithic materials show biostratigraphical characteristics very similar to some samples from Acaya-Struda zone (some 10 km South-West from the ancient harbour): comparative analysis has been performed, supporting a clear identification of the geological origin of limestone blocks. In hydraulic concrete different lithic materials have been used and mixed with a strong mortar. Macroscopic field observation clearly define that limestone clasts, variable in size, derive from the Pliocene Uggiano la Chiesa Formation, that widely crops out locally at San Cataldo; granular fractions of mortar probably derive from beaches and/or sandy dunes, available in the surrounding area, as well.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"89 1","pages":"101-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79904794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Archaeometry is the application of scientific techniques used to analyze archaeological materials. The Cretan Bronze Age Minoan Kernos, has hitherto, been regarded as a gaming board or for religious purposes. Here, it is shown, that, it was designed, specifically, to predict the occurrence of the 9th. January 1860 BCE Total Solar Eclipse. A prototype magnetic compass was centrally facilitated in a non-magnetic marble structure, whose geomagnetic declination angle, appears to coincide with the Kernos’ eclipse prediction-axis orientation. Comparisons of eclipse constructions taken from Kernos measurements, with those of Hipparchus (2nd. c. BCE), appear to be similar, suggesting a common origin. Evidence obtained using a multidisciplinary approach, is testament to the sophistication of Middle Bronze Age science and technology and the ability to create a mathematically-based eclipse predictor and magnetic compass, 3800 years ago and 1700 years before the advent of the Antikythera Mechanism.
{"title":"The cretan middle bronze age ‘Minoan Kernos’ was designed to predict a total solar eclipse and to facilitate a magnetic compass","authors":"W. Downey","doi":"10.5281/ZENODO.15041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.15041","url":null,"abstract":"Archaeometry is the application of scientific techniques used to analyze archaeological materials. The Cretan Bronze Age Minoan Kernos, has hitherto, been regarded as a gaming board or for religious purposes. Here, it is shown, that, it was designed, specifically, to predict the occurrence of the 9th. January 1860 BCE Total Solar Eclipse. A prototype magnetic compass was centrally facilitated in a non-magnetic marble structure, whose geomagnetic declination angle, appears to coincide with the Kernos’ eclipse prediction-axis orientation. Comparisons of eclipse constructions taken from Kernos measurements, with those of Hipparchus (2nd. c. BCE), appear to be similar, suggesting a common origin. Evidence obtained using a multidisciplinary approach, is testament to the sophistication of Middle Bronze Age science and technology and the ability to create a mathematically-based eclipse predictor and magnetic compass, 3800 years ago and 1700 years before the advent of the Antikythera Mechanism.","PeriodicalId":46130,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Archaeology & Archaeometry","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87444087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"历史学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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