A multidisciplinary approach to the study of an assemblage of prehistoric
bronzes from the Fucino area, in Abruzzo.
1
1
Maria Laura Mascelloni , Giorgio Cerichelli , Stefano Ridolfi
1
2
Department of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials, University of Aquila, Coppito (AQ), Italy -
marialaura.mascelloni@hotmail.com - giorgio.cerichelli@univaq.it
2
Ars Mensurae, Roma, Italy - stefano@arsmensurae.it
Objectives
The project aims to characterize an assemblage of sporadic finds known as 'Fucino bronzes'. The
bronzes are 306: 195 of the Pigorini Museum of Rome and 111 of the Archaeological Museum of
Perugia. The research explores dynamics related to production, use and management of objects,
alongside relationships between production centres, local workshops, and technological changes
from bronze to iron.
Moreover, the study includes the analysis of 49 contextual bronzes from the prehistoric settlement
of Celano Paludi, one of the most representative site of the Fucino area. Bronzes are owned by the
Prehistoric Museum of Celano.
Methods
Discussion points are:
 Technological and traceological analysis of materials by stereo Optical Microscope (80x)
 Quantification of finds and statistical treatment of data
 Chemical characterization of selections of objects by a portable ED-XRF. The bronzes
are selected on the basis of their typological, technological and territorial relevance:
 27 sporadic bronze discs:
 20 sporadic bronzes:
 5 aes rudae
 7 beads and 1 spiral
 8 bronzes reporting provenience Celano
 49 contextual bronzes
Results
Comparison of chemistry of different classes of objects show that samples are copper-based finds
with Cu percentages ranging from 100% of one of the aes rudae to 65.3% of one of the beads. The
aes rudae composition is nearly pure copper, except one. All the other samples are ternary bronze
alloys (copper, tin and lead). Compositions are variable but consistent among functional classes of
objects.
Bronze discs were used for centuries across all the italic cultures, in particular those belonging to
the ‘medio-Adriatic’ horizon which also included the Fucino area. The discs have been interpreted
as components of armour, but currently they are more widely linked to the expression of social and
cultural belongings and associated with both the genders.
About 25% of discs have been repaired in antiquity. Particular attention is given to chemical
compositions and technologies of the various constituent elements or parts of reparation, in order
to compare data both inside the same object and among those showing similar interventions.
The Celano bronzes are studied as both separate groups and complex. Dynamics related to the use
and consumption of metals on the site and degree of homogeneity in composition and technology
of bronzes are also discussed.
Conclusions
Tecno-traceological and chemical aspects of bronzes suggest local workshops operated in the area
with own strategies. The analysis of Celano bronzes indicates a large use of recycling for the metal
supply. At the same time, technology and chemistry of discs show production was performed by
highly specialized workshops, undocumented at the state of knowledge in prehistoric Abruzzo.
Composition groups of discs are also recognisable.
Keywords: Bronzes, Prehistory, Fucino