GEOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE FOR INTEGRATED CERAMIC AND ROOF TILE INDUSTRIES AT THE ETRUSCAN SITE OF POGGIO COLLA, ITALY

Abstract

We conducted a geochemical study to characterize the composition of ceramics, tiles, and local sediments from the Poggio Colla Etruscan archaeological site north of Florence, Italy. We consider whether these wares were locally produced, as well as address the broader question of the organization of the ceramic industry at Poggio Colla. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine sample geochemistry. We also used X-ray diffraction and petrography to infer the mineral content; thermogravimetic analysis to consider the effects of firing; and macroscopic observations for qualitative content and textures. The mineral constituents in typical Podere Funghi and Poggio Colla pottery sherds and tile fragments included abundant quartz, some feldspar, and minor amounts of mica. Lithics (including a red sandstone) and grog were also observed. Comparing groups using principal component analysis showed that the compositions of the Podere Funghi and Poggio Colla tile and pottery groups are similar but the rock and sediment specimens were compositionally different. This lends support to the hypothesis that diverse components of a ceramic industry co-existed in close proximity to the Poggio Colla acropolis, although neither a kiln nor a specific local source has yet been identified.