OVERVIEW

The course gives an overview of the techniques and methods that are most used in the analysis of Cultural goods with different aims: diagnostics, microanalysis and dating. During the course the physical principles at the basis of these techniques will be outlined with particular attention to the description of the relative advantages/disadvantages as a function of the find/piece of work in analysis. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching objectives of the “Archaeometry” course are to acquire basic physical knowledge of methods in relation to the dating of ancient objects, analysis of objects of artistic interest and diagnostics for conservation and restoration of objects.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching objectives of the “Archaeometry” course are acquiring basic physical knowledge of methods relating to the dating of ancient objects, analysis of objects of artistic interest and diagnostics for conservation and restoration. At the end of the course students will have the basic knowledge to autonomously identify the technique to choose, as a function of the information they're looking for.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be given with frontal lectures with the help of presentations. Parallel to the course students can avail of the course material (notes, multimedia material including some software) which will be made available on Aulaweb.

Classes are held in presence. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. The lecturer, at the specific request of a student (by e-mail), may allow him/her to follow classes remotely via “Teams” platform.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu

Contents
a) Diagnostic methods: Digital photography, digital analysis of images, microphotography, grazing light photography, UV Reflectography, IR Reflectography, infra-red photos with false colour, UV and IR spectroscopy, elements of colorimetry, structured light, thermography, time of flight laser scanner. X and gamma tomography, ultrasonic tomography. X Radiography.

b) Microanalysis methods: x ray fluorescence, electronic microscopy and SPM, optical and stratigraphical microscopy, PIXE and PIGE.

c) Dating methods: general aspects, absolute and relative dating, dating using natural phenomena and isotopes, dating using thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence, archaeomagnetism. Dating using ultra-sensitive mass spectrometer.

The didactic program for non-attending students is the same as that for attending ones.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DARIO MASSABO' (President)

FEDERICO MAZZEI

PAOLO PRATI (President Substitute)

SILVIA VICINI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 12th, 2024 (guess date)

Class schedule

ARCHAEOMETRY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

oral examination. The exam aims to verify the candidate's knowledge of experimental techniques and physical principles seen in class

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will verify the effective acquisition of basic knowledge on some physical methodologies and their applications for the analysis of works of historical and artistic interest. The questions will allow to evaluate the ability to apply knowledge in practical situations that can occur in the field, also with reference to the safety measures to be considered during the application of certain methods.

Exam schedule