Materialographic sample preparation of ancient copper materials

Abstract The metallographic preparation of samples from classical antiquity requires the use of very gentle preparation techniques. On the one hand, this is necessary since the samples provided are often very small and on the other hand, because the remaining sample material can be inserted back into the original object. Both sample preparation and microstructural evaluation may offer insights into the manufacture of the objects, for example whether casting, heat treatment or reshaping had taken place. In addition, corrosion products on the sample surfaces can be characterized. The results of the metallographic preparation of three different ancient copper objects are presented: 1. A bronze vessel from Gordion. 2. Bronze roof tiles from Caligula’s Nemi ships. 3. Roman copper nails from Carnuntum.