M. Pasquinucci

Tests of laser cleaning on archeological metal artefacts

Abstract Previously reported experiences on laser cleaning of metal surfaces of artworks such as statues and decorations altered by atmospheric pollution demonstrated the potential advantages of this technique. Here we present a study on the use of laser cleaning on excavated metal objects that typically show alterations and corrosion processes quite different with respect to exposed metal artefacts. Tests were performed on a selection of archaeological samples, such as coins, plates, clamps and ornaments collected from Italian sites. Metals considered in this study are bronze, copper, silver and lead. Different laser systems and different irradiation conditions were employed and compared. The results, evaluated by metallurgic diagnostics and objective observations, indicated that the laser cleaning process was selective and highly precise, allowing the preservation of fine surface details.

Rural, Urban and Suburban Communities and their economic Interconnectivity in coastal North Etruria (2nd century BC - 2nd Century AD)

In coastal north Etruria (Luni, Lucca, Pisa, Volterra and their territories; Fig. 1) the authors of this chapter are currently conducting an intensive ‘total archaeology’ research project2 into long-term developments from the Late Bronze Age to the early medieval period, with a focus on the late Etruscan, early/middle Roman and late Roman periods.3 The work is still in progress; this chapter presents some results, a few tesserae of a larger mosaic. In particular, it zooms in on the Pisa-Volterra district and on the impact of the Roman conquest on regional economic developments from the 3rd century BC onwards. More precisely, it attempts to establish the nature, the socio-economic effects and the dynamics of cultural change of this process in its urban and wider territorial context, presenting the processed data in chronological order.