Yorgos Facorellis works as Associate Professor in the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, School of Applied Arts and Culture, University of West Attica, Athens, on the field of "Chemical analysis and dating of archaeological materials". He studied Chemistry at the University of Thessaloniki (1982-1986), he continued his postgraduated studies (D.E.S.S.) at the Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire d'Archeologie Analytique (C.R.I.A.A.) on the subject "Méthodes Physiques en Archéologie et Museographie", University Bordeaux III (1988-1989) and then he obtained his Ph.D. in Physics. Specialisation in 14C dating technique, Department of Physics, University of Patras (1989-1996). Since 1989 2011 he has been member of the Board of the Hellenic Society of Archaeometry (president 1999-2006). He has been assistant researcher at the Laboratory of Archaeometry, Institute of Materials Science, N.C.S.R. “Demokritos” (1995-2004) and assistant Professor at the Department of History - Archaeology - Social Anthropology of the School of Human Sciences, University of Thessaly at Volos (2000-2011) and the Department of History and Archaeology of the School of Philosophy, University of Crete at Rethymnon (2004-2005 and 2010). His areas of specialization are the radiocarbon dating and materials characterization with various physicochemical techniques.
The Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on... more The Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on the western coast of the island, in the North Aegean Sea. The ongoing research project on rock-cut features and rock-art of this complex site included a five-year (2002-2007) subsurface investigation, during which, among other mobile finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected, associated in situ to rock-cut features. Subsequently, in an attempt to bring about information on the dating of the rock-cut site, an investigation based on 14 C has also been undertaken. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is the AMS dating of the unearthed anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the end of the Late Bronze Age. Our results show that the age of the deposits is spanning from the 13th century BC till the 6th century AD. Moreover, the 14 C ages of two pairs of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the mean marine reservoir age R(t) in this region from the 13th to the 10th centuries BC is 175 ± 59 14 C yrs and the mean local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be-288 ± 108 14 C yrs (within 1σ). * Archaeologist, responsible for the research on Myrina Kastro rock-cut features and rock art, Athens, Greece
Open Access Journal of Archaeology and Anthropology, 2024
The present study concerns the technological characterization of mortar samples originating from ... more The present study concerns the technological characterization of mortar samples originating from water supply cisterns at the ancient site of Vryokastro on Kythnos island, Greece, in order to investigate the raw materials that were used for their production and the consequent microstructural and performance characteristics of the mortars. Understanding these characteristics is vital for safeguarding the site’s heritage and guiding conservation strategies. Powdered and freshly fractured samples as well as polished sections were studied to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the mortars using various analytical techniques: Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with micro- analyzer (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, grain size analysis, Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) were also conducted. The results of the analyses indicate that the samples from Vryokastro site contain both air-hardening and hydraulic mortars, containing well-graded natural aggregates.
Open Access Journal of Archaeology and Anthropology, 2023
The monument to the Actium victory raised by Octavian Augustus on the northern outskirts of Nicop... more The monument to the Actium victory raised by Octavian Augustus on the northern outskirts of Nicopolis, in the area where the Actian games were taking place, consists of an enormous podium built in ashlar masonry on the slopes of a hill sacred to Apollo. On the upper part of the terrace created by the podium, a porticus triplex was surrounding a courtyard. The area of the courtyard was occupied by a monumental altar and by two pedestals carrying bronze statues of unknown figures. The walls of the porticus and of an annex on its north wing were decorated with frescos fragments which were preserved in situ, while several other fragments were found scattered throughout the monument. In this article, we present the results of the identification of the organic binding medium, as well as the isolation of microorganisms from the wall painting fragments using HPLC and classical microbiological isolation techniques OM and SEM, respectively. Ten samples were selected for HPLC-FD analysis and compared with two reference mixtures of egg yolk with gelatin 3:1 w/w and 5:1 w/w. Six of the ten samples gave proteinaceous profile results, yielding an amino acid profile like the mixture of egg yolk/gelatin 3:1 w/w, which is relatively poor in gelatin content. The fungal species isolated were Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., unidentified strains of mold and fungi and Bacillus sp. This study aims to assess the present-day condition of the wall paintings for future investigation. It is well known that the metabolism of organic bindings in the substrate, like animal glue loses their binding effect when they are contaminated or when they have been in use for an extended time and consolidation is required. During a microbial infestation, these organic bindings decompose thus losing their consolidation effect. The metabolism of organic bindings is restricted to natural organic bindings and affects synthetic polymers applied for consolidation purposes.
This paper presents the first known and systematically excavated Middle Neolithic pottery worksho... more This paper presents the first known and systematically excavated Middle Neolithic pottery workshop in southwestern Thessaly at Imvrou Pigadi. The excavations and in situ finds, along with the pronounced kiln structures, their typological classification and pyrotechnological operation, suggests considerable expertise in pottery manufacture. The pottery itself, together with the chipped stone industry and other small finds, as well as the fauna and archaeobotanical assemblages are presented. The results of the 14 C dating programme point to use of the workshop at the beginning of the 6 th millennium. All this evidence suggests an active settlement where pottery production was carried out, which was then circulated within the wider region.
The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E... more The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E), west of modern Marathon. In rescue excavation campaigns during the last three years, among other finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected. The purpose of this study is the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of the cave’s anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the Neolithic period. For that purpose, 7 charcoal pieces and 1 seashell were dated. Our results show that the cave was used from the second quarter of the 6th millennium (Middle Neolithic period) until the beginning of the 5th millennium BC. Additionally, one sample collected from a depth of 2 cm from the present surface of the cave yielded an age falling within the 6th century AD, giving thus the absolute time span of the cave use. Moreover, the radiocarbon (14C) ages of one pair of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the marine reservoir age R(t) in t...
The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E... more The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E), west of modern Marathon. In rescue excavation campaigns during the last three years, among other finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected. The purpose of this study is the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of the cave's anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the Neolithic period. For that purpose, 7 charcoal pieces and 1 seashell were dated. Our results show that the cave was used from the second quarter of the 6th millennium (Middle Neolithic period) until the beginning of the 5th millennium BC. Additionally, one sample collected from a depth of 2 cm from the present surface of the cave yielded an age falling within the 6th century AD, giving thus the absolute time span of the cave use. Moreover, the radiocarbon (14 C) ages of one pair of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the marine reservoir age R(t) in the estuarine Marathon Bay region during the 5th millennium BC is 775 ± 57 yr and the local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be 402 ± 63 14 C yr (within 1σ).
In this chapter, we present some of the main preliminary results of the Koutroulou Magoula Archae... more In this chapter, we present some of the main preliminary results of the Koutroulou Magoula Archaeology and Archaeological Ethnography Project (begun in 2009), centered around the tell site of Koutroulou Magoula in northern Phthiotida, central Greece. The main occupation phase dates to the first two centuries of the sixth millennium B.C. This proved to be an extremely well-preserved, architecturally elaborate site, the inhabitants of which shaped its space of habitation through a range of substantial and probably communal works, such as terraces and perimeter ditches. The site is also materially rich, and various categories of data are currently under analysis and study, including a large and diverse collection of clay figurines (ca. 350 items to date). We then continue by placing the Middle Neolithic tell settlement in its wider social context, relying in particular on two categories of data: chipped stone and pottery (examined both macroscopically and through petrographic study). The analysis of chipped stone to date has shown that the site participated in a wide network of exchange and circulation of materials, information, and ideas. More than half of the assemblage (58 percent) is made of obsidian, most (if not all) of which has all the visual characteristics of coming from the Cycladic island of Melos. The rest of the material consists of different kinds of flint coming from various distant localities: from the Pindus Mountains to Albania and Bulgaria, and even further to the north. The analysis of pottery, on the other hand, attests to a more localized pattern of circulation and exchange. here is the few drinking vessels that show decoration patterns pointing to other " cultural " traditions (e.g. geometric patterns from southern central Greece). This macroscopic picture seems to be confirmed by petrographic analysis of both pottery vessels and figurines.
Thessaly in Central Greece is famous for settlement mounds (magoules) that were already partly fo... more Thessaly in Central Greece is famous for settlement mounds (magoules) that were already partly formed in the Early Neolithic period. Some of these long-lived sites grew to many metres in height during the subsequent Middle, Late and Final Neolithic periods, and were also inhabited in the Bronze Age. Such magoules served as the backbone for defining relative chronological schemes. However, their absolute dating is still a topic of debate: due to a lack of well-defined sequences, different chronological schemes have been proposed. New radiocarbon dates obtained in the last few years allow a better understanding of the duration not only of the main Neolithic periods , but also of the different phases and sub-phases.
The Monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at an altitude of 430 m (38°23′43.12′′N, 22°44′48.22′′... more The Monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at an altitude of 430 m (38°23′43.12′′N, 22°44′48.22′′E) in the western foothills of Mount Helikon, near the village of Steiri, Boeotia, Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and architecture and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Information varies concerning the construction date of the magnificent church to house the Hosios Loukas relics. Moreover, little is known about the time when the rest of the monastic complex was built. This paper aims to shed light on these chronological questions. For this purpose, 15 wood samples, originating from the outermost rings of the wooden timber preserved from the initial scaffolding of the church and its four supporting buttresses and another two from the wooden gate of the monastery, were radiocarbon (14 C) dated using the conventional gas-counting technique. Our results show that the church was built in the beginning of the 11th century. The four buttresses were built in at least two phases, during the 15th through 19th centuries, and the monastery gate may be also attributed to the 19th century.
À l’ occasion des fouilles universitaires à Vryokastro de Kythnos des échantillons couplés d’ ori... more À l’ occasion des fouilles universitaires à Vryokastro de Kythnos des échantillons couplés d’ origine terrestre et marine déposés simultanément aux mêmes couches stratigraphiques derrière l’ adyton du temple de Déméter, ont été collectionnés afin d’ être datés par la méthode de radiocarbone (technique AMS). Le but de ce travail est l’estimation des valeurs des coefficients R(t) et ΔR de l’effet réservoir marin dans cette région depuis le 8ème jusqu’ au 1er siècles avant JC. Les valeurs obtenues de R(t) fluctuent de 780 ± 21 à 185 ± 36 années, tandis que les valeurs de ΔR fluctuent de 442 ± 45 à -14 ± 53 années 14C (probabilité 68.2%). Cette fluctuation du réservoir marin peut être due soit à des causes naturelles, ou à des particularités taphonomiques des échantillons. Les différences indiquent qu'il n'y a pas une approximation acceptable de la valeur ΔR que l’on peut utiliser pour la calibration des dates de radiocarbone conventionnelles des échantillons marins de différentes périodes de temps, même si elles proviennent du même site.
The presence of numerous orange, violet, red or red brown lumps of raw pigments is a very common ... more The presence of numerous orange, violet, red or red brown lumps of raw pigments is a very common characteristic of the deposits and destruction layers of the extensive Middle Bronze Age settlement that has come to light during the most recent excavations of the 22nd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, to the south and southwest of the known Late Bronze Age settlement at Ialysοs on Rhodes. This paper presents the results of physicochemical analysis (observation and microanalysis with SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy) of selected samples, revealing the composition of the raw pigments material and their manufacturing technology. Significant information is gained on an important aspect of the technology and its evolution during this period, which until recently was regarded as one of the darkest periods of the prehistoric Aegean.
Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry, Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi. British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com
ATOPOS is a non-profit, contemporary culture organization in Athens, which has, worldwide, a uniq... more ATOPOS is a non-profit, contemporary culture organization in Athens, which has, worldwide, a unique collection of paper garments, including the Japanese paper garments which belong chronologically to the end of the Edo period. This research is about the qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis of a Japanese paper garment ('Kamiko') and the conservation methods. This garment was presented at the exhibition of the New Benaki Museum, 'RRRIPP! Paper Fashion', (03-05/2007) and was first published in the exhibition's catalogue. Until today it has participated in many exhibitions all over the world. The uniqueness of the manufacturing technique of a paper made exclusively for garment use in combination with the three-dimensional structure of the object and the preservation condition that was found according to the quality of storage and handling, posed questions about the conservation method (practices, techniques and materials). The garment's exterior, which had a dark colour due to persimmon tannin, was decorated with orpiment yellow. Sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose helped increase the mechanical strength of the material. Starch-based glue gave the best adhesiveness. Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry, Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi. British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com)
The Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on... more The Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on the western coast of the island, in the North Aegean Sea. The ongoing research project on rock-cut features and rock-art of this complex site included a five-year (2002-2007) subsurface investigation, during which, among other mobile finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected, associated in situ to rock-cut features. Subsequently, in an attempt to bring about information on the dating of the rock-cut site, an investigation based on 14 C has also been undertaken. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is the AMS dating of the unearthed anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the end of the Late Bronze Age. Our results show that the age of the deposits is spanning from the 13th century BC till the 6th century AD. Moreover, the 14 C ages of two pairs of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the mean marine reservoir age R(t) in this region from the 13th to the 10th centuries BC is 175 ± 59 14 C yrs and the mean local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be-288 ± 108 14 C yrs (within 1σ). * Archaeologist, responsible for the research on Myrina Kastro rock-cut features and rock art, Athens, Greece
Open Access Journal of Archaeology and Anthropology, 2024
The present study concerns the technological characterization of mortar samples originating from ... more The present study concerns the technological characterization of mortar samples originating from water supply cisterns at the ancient site of Vryokastro on Kythnos island, Greece, in order to investigate the raw materials that were used for their production and the consequent microstructural and performance characteristics of the mortars. Understanding these characteristics is vital for safeguarding the site’s heritage and guiding conservation strategies. Powdered and freshly fractured samples as well as polished sections were studied to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the mortars using various analytical techniques: Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with micro- analyzer (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, grain size analysis, Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) were also conducted. The results of the analyses indicate that the samples from Vryokastro site contain both air-hardening and hydraulic mortars, containing well-graded natural aggregates.
Open Access Journal of Archaeology and Anthropology, 2023
The monument to the Actium victory raised by Octavian Augustus on the northern outskirts of Nicop... more The monument to the Actium victory raised by Octavian Augustus on the northern outskirts of Nicopolis, in the area where the Actian games were taking place, consists of an enormous podium built in ashlar masonry on the slopes of a hill sacred to Apollo. On the upper part of the terrace created by the podium, a porticus triplex was surrounding a courtyard. The area of the courtyard was occupied by a monumental altar and by two pedestals carrying bronze statues of unknown figures. The walls of the porticus and of an annex on its north wing were decorated with frescos fragments which were preserved in situ, while several other fragments were found scattered throughout the monument. In this article, we present the results of the identification of the organic binding medium, as well as the isolation of microorganisms from the wall painting fragments using HPLC and classical microbiological isolation techniques OM and SEM, respectively. Ten samples were selected for HPLC-FD analysis and compared with two reference mixtures of egg yolk with gelatin 3:1 w/w and 5:1 w/w. Six of the ten samples gave proteinaceous profile results, yielding an amino acid profile like the mixture of egg yolk/gelatin 3:1 w/w, which is relatively poor in gelatin content. The fungal species isolated were Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., unidentified strains of mold and fungi and Bacillus sp. This study aims to assess the present-day condition of the wall paintings for future investigation. It is well known that the metabolism of organic bindings in the substrate, like animal glue loses their binding effect when they are contaminated or when they have been in use for an extended time and consolidation is required. During a microbial infestation, these organic bindings decompose thus losing their consolidation effect. The metabolism of organic bindings is restricted to natural organic bindings and affects synthetic polymers applied for consolidation purposes.
This paper presents the first known and systematically excavated Middle Neolithic pottery worksho... more This paper presents the first known and systematically excavated Middle Neolithic pottery workshop in southwestern Thessaly at Imvrou Pigadi. The excavations and in situ finds, along with the pronounced kiln structures, their typological classification and pyrotechnological operation, suggests considerable expertise in pottery manufacture. The pottery itself, together with the chipped stone industry and other small finds, as well as the fauna and archaeobotanical assemblages are presented. The results of the 14 C dating programme point to use of the workshop at the beginning of the 6 th millennium. All this evidence suggests an active settlement where pottery production was carried out, which was then circulated within the wider region.
The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E... more The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E), west of modern Marathon. In rescue excavation campaigns during the last three years, among other finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected. The purpose of this study is the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of the cave’s anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the Neolithic period. For that purpose, 7 charcoal pieces and 1 seashell were dated. Our results show that the cave was used from the second quarter of the 6th millennium (Middle Neolithic period) until the beginning of the 5th millennium BC. Additionally, one sample collected from a depth of 2 cm from the present surface of the cave yielded an age falling within the 6th century AD, giving thus the absolute time span of the cave use. Moreover, the radiocarbon (14C) ages of one pair of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the marine reservoir age R(t) in t...
The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E... more The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E), west of modern Marathon. In rescue excavation campaigns during the last three years, among other finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected. The purpose of this study is the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of the cave's anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the Neolithic period. For that purpose, 7 charcoal pieces and 1 seashell were dated. Our results show that the cave was used from the second quarter of the 6th millennium (Middle Neolithic period) until the beginning of the 5th millennium BC. Additionally, one sample collected from a depth of 2 cm from the present surface of the cave yielded an age falling within the 6th century AD, giving thus the absolute time span of the cave use. Moreover, the radiocarbon (14 C) ages of one pair of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the marine reservoir age R(t) in the estuarine Marathon Bay region during the 5th millennium BC is 775 ± 57 yr and the local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be 402 ± 63 14 C yr (within 1σ).
In this chapter, we present some of the main preliminary results of the Koutroulou Magoula Archae... more In this chapter, we present some of the main preliminary results of the Koutroulou Magoula Archaeology and Archaeological Ethnography Project (begun in 2009), centered around the tell site of Koutroulou Magoula in northern Phthiotida, central Greece. The main occupation phase dates to the first two centuries of the sixth millennium B.C. This proved to be an extremely well-preserved, architecturally elaborate site, the inhabitants of which shaped its space of habitation through a range of substantial and probably communal works, such as terraces and perimeter ditches. The site is also materially rich, and various categories of data are currently under analysis and study, including a large and diverse collection of clay figurines (ca. 350 items to date). We then continue by placing the Middle Neolithic tell settlement in its wider social context, relying in particular on two categories of data: chipped stone and pottery (examined both macroscopically and through petrographic study). The analysis of chipped stone to date has shown that the site participated in a wide network of exchange and circulation of materials, information, and ideas. More than half of the assemblage (58 percent) is made of obsidian, most (if not all) of which has all the visual characteristics of coming from the Cycladic island of Melos. The rest of the material consists of different kinds of flint coming from various distant localities: from the Pindus Mountains to Albania and Bulgaria, and even further to the north. The analysis of pottery, on the other hand, attests to a more localized pattern of circulation and exchange. here is the few drinking vessels that show decoration patterns pointing to other " cultural " traditions (e.g. geometric patterns from southern central Greece). This macroscopic picture seems to be confirmed by petrographic analysis of both pottery vessels and figurines.
Thessaly in Central Greece is famous for settlement mounds (magoules) that were already partly fo... more Thessaly in Central Greece is famous for settlement mounds (magoules) that were already partly formed in the Early Neolithic period. Some of these long-lived sites grew to many metres in height during the subsequent Middle, Late and Final Neolithic periods, and were also inhabited in the Bronze Age. Such magoules served as the backbone for defining relative chronological schemes. However, their absolute dating is still a topic of debate: due to a lack of well-defined sequences, different chronological schemes have been proposed. New radiocarbon dates obtained in the last few years allow a better understanding of the duration not only of the main Neolithic periods , but also of the different phases and sub-phases.
The Monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at an altitude of 430 m (38°23′43.12′′N, 22°44′48.22′′... more The Monastery of Hosios Loukas is situated at an altitude of 430 m (38°23′43.12′′N, 22°44′48.22′′E) in the western foothills of Mount Helikon, near the village of Steiri, Boeotia, Greece. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and architecture and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Information varies concerning the construction date of the magnificent church to house the Hosios Loukas relics. Moreover, little is known about the time when the rest of the monastic complex was built. This paper aims to shed light on these chronological questions. For this purpose, 15 wood samples, originating from the outermost rings of the wooden timber preserved from the initial scaffolding of the church and its four supporting buttresses and another two from the wooden gate of the monastery, were radiocarbon (14 C) dated using the conventional gas-counting technique. Our results show that the church was built in the beginning of the 11th century. The four buttresses were built in at least two phases, during the 15th through 19th centuries, and the monastery gate may be also attributed to the 19th century.
À l’ occasion des fouilles universitaires à Vryokastro de Kythnos des échantillons couplés d’ ori... more À l’ occasion des fouilles universitaires à Vryokastro de Kythnos des échantillons couplés d’ origine terrestre et marine déposés simultanément aux mêmes couches stratigraphiques derrière l’ adyton du temple de Déméter, ont été collectionnés afin d’ être datés par la méthode de radiocarbone (technique AMS). Le but de ce travail est l’estimation des valeurs des coefficients R(t) et ΔR de l’effet réservoir marin dans cette région depuis le 8ème jusqu’ au 1er siècles avant JC. Les valeurs obtenues de R(t) fluctuent de 780 ± 21 à 185 ± 36 années, tandis que les valeurs de ΔR fluctuent de 442 ± 45 à -14 ± 53 années 14C (probabilité 68.2%). Cette fluctuation du réservoir marin peut être due soit à des causes naturelles, ou à des particularités taphonomiques des échantillons. Les différences indiquent qu'il n'y a pas une approximation acceptable de la valeur ΔR que l’on peut utiliser pour la calibration des dates de radiocarbone conventionnelles des échantillons marins de différentes périodes de temps, même si elles proviennent du même site.
The presence of numerous orange, violet, red or red brown lumps of raw pigments is a very common ... more The presence of numerous orange, violet, red or red brown lumps of raw pigments is a very common characteristic of the deposits and destruction layers of the extensive Middle Bronze Age settlement that has come to light during the most recent excavations of the 22nd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, to the south and southwest of the known Late Bronze Age settlement at Ialysοs on Rhodes. This paper presents the results of physicochemical analysis (observation and microanalysis with SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy) of selected samples, revealing the composition of the raw pigments material and their manufacturing technology. Significant information is gained on an important aspect of the technology and its evolution during this period, which until recently was regarded as one of the darkest periods of the prehistoric Aegean.
Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry, Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi. British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com
ATOPOS is a non-profit, contemporary culture organization in Athens, which has, worldwide, a uniq... more ATOPOS is a non-profit, contemporary culture organization in Athens, which has, worldwide, a unique collection of paper garments, including the Japanese paper garments which belong chronologically to the end of the Edo period. This research is about the qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis of a Japanese paper garment ('Kamiko') and the conservation methods. This garment was presented at the exhibition of the New Benaki Museum, 'RRRIPP! Paper Fashion', (03-05/2007) and was first published in the exhibition's catalogue. Until today it has participated in many exhibitions all over the world. The uniqueness of the manufacturing technique of a paper made exclusively for garment use in combination with the three-dimensional structure of the object and the preservation condition that was found according to the quality of storage and handling, posed questions about the conservation method (practices, techniques and materials). The garment's exterior, which had a dark colour due to persimmon tannin, was decorated with orpiment yellow. Sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose helped increase the mechanical strength of the material. Starch-based glue gave the best adhesiveness. Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry, Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi. British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com)
THE SARAKENOS CAVE AT AKRAEPHNION, BOEOTIA, GREECE. Vol. IV, 2023
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
During the excavation at the Sarakenos Cave, a considerable number of ... more THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT During the excavation at the Sarakenos Cave, a considerable number of prehistoric finds were revealed, including lithic and bone implements, ceramics, figurines, hearths, human skeletons and animal bones, miscellaneous ornaments and 10.918 beads (Davri 2023). The majority of the beads belongs to the LN period, and rarely to the MN (5800-5300 BC), the EN (6700-5.800 BC) and the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC). The highest concentration has been discovered at the LN I (5300-4300 BC) stratum of Trench F (Figs. 1 and 2), and sporadically at the other trenches (A, B, C, D, G and H) (Diagram 1).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES, PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5th ARCH_RNT SYMPOSIUM, UNIVERSITY OF THE PELOPONNESE, KALAMATA , 2020
Among the collections of the Museum of Anthropology of the Medical School of the National and Kap... more Among the collections of the Museum of Anthropology of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, are two Egyptian mummies of children. Little information is available regarding their historical background and origin, yet, according to Egyptologist V. Chrysikopoulos it is likely that they date in the first centuries AD (Karamanou et al., 2017). Features of the mummies, such as great attention to embalming practices and remains of gold leaf on the face and feet of both child mummies point towards the assumption that they belonged to the upper class (Karamanou et al., 2017). The problematic preservation state and questions on the embalming materials and procedures led to a series of analyses on a variety of samples from both mummies (Karamanou et al., 2017). This paper focuses on the Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) observation and analysis performed on hair samples of the largest in size of the children’s mummies. DNA analysis on the hairs and species level fungal characterization were also performed.
FTELIA ON MYKONOS, GREECE NEOLITHIC NETWORKS IN THE SOUTHERN AEGEAN BASIN Vol. II Edited by Adamantios Sampson and Tonia Tsourouni UNIVERSITY OF THE AEGEAN LABORATORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY Monograph Series 7 ATHENS, 2018
Updated calibrated dates of the radiocarbon ages from the Neolithic settlement Ftelia on Mykonos ... more Updated calibrated dates of the radiocarbon ages from the Neolithic settlement Ftelia on Mykonos (25 22΄ 30΄΄ E, 37 27΄ 30΄΄ N) using the latest issues of the international calibration curves INTCAL13 and MARINE13 allowed the calculation of the "marine reservoir effect" R(t) and the local marine reservoir deviation ΔR values in the Cyclades during the Neolithic period. These were found to be R(t) -26 ± 96 yr and ΔR = -400 ± 113 14C yr, The obtained calibrated dates showed that the site was occupied during the Late Neolithic period for about six centuries [5051-4457 BC, (7000-6406 cal BP), 1σ].
Communities, Landscapes, and Interaction in Neolithic Greece, 2018
In this chapter, we present some of the main preliminary results of the Koutroulou Magoula Archae... more In this chapter, we present some of the main preliminary results of the Koutroulou Magoula Archaeology and Archaeological Ethnography Project (begun in 2009), centered around the tell site of Koutroulou Magoula in northern Phthiotida, central Greece. The main occupation phase dates to the first two centuries of the sixth millennium B.C. This proved to be an extremely well-preserved, architecturally elaborate site, the inhabitants of which shaped its space of habitation through a range of substantial and probably communal works, such as terraces and perimeter ditches. The site is also materially rich, and various categories of data are currently under analysis and study, including a large and diverse collection of clay figurines (ca. 350 items to date). We then continue by placing the Middle Neolithic tell settlement in its wider social context, relying in particular on two categories of data: chipped stone and pottery (examined both macroscopically and through petrographic study). The analysis of chipped stone to date has shown that the site participated in a wide network of exchange and circulation of materials, information, and ideas. More than half of the assemblage (58 percent) is made of obsidian, most (if not all) of which has all the visual characteristics of coming from the Cycladic island of Melos. The rest of the material consists of different kinds of flint coming from various distant localities: from the Pindus Mountains to Albania and Bulgaria, and even further to the north. The analysis of pottery, on the other hand, attests to a more localized pattern of circulation and exchange. Painted pottery in particular gives the impression of a local production, with affinities to Achilleion, but also to pottery from Tzani Magoula, Pazaraki, and areas belonging to the so-called West Thessalian group. In pottery terms, Koutroulou Magoula seemed to have interacted more with the Thessalian tradition, and not with that of southern central Greece. An exception here is the few drinking vessels that show decoration patterns pointing to other “cultural” traditions (e.g. geometric patterns from southern central Greece). This macroscopic picture seems to be confirmed by petrographic analysis of both pottery vessels and figurines.
Dietz, Søren, Fanis Mavridis, Žarko Tankosić, and Turan Takaoğlu, eds. (2018) Communities in Tran... more Dietz, Søren, Fanis Mavridis, Žarko Tankosić, and Turan Takaoğlu, eds. (2018) Communities in Transition: The Circum-Aegean Area during the 5th and 4th Millennia BC. Monographs of the Danish Institute at Athens, Vol. 20, Oxbow, Oxford. Chapter 5, p. 33-66. ISBN: 978-1-7857-7210-9
Recent archaeological investigations, still in progress, of the prehistoric deposits of Drakaina ... more Recent archaeological investigations, still in progress, of the prehistoric deposits of Drakaina Cave at Poros on Cephalonia has contributed significantly to the enrichment of our data concerning the prehistory in this region. These data combined with the radiocarbon results of stratigraphically controlled charcoal samples, actually permit the establishment of a safe chronological framework for the early phases of the Late Prehistory in the Ionian region, more precisely for the periods belonging, according to the conventional archaeological terminology, to the Late Neolithic (or Late Neolithic I) and Chalcolithic (or Late Neolithic II or Final Neolithic). In his way, more knowledge is acquired concerning the late phases of the Neolithic in Western Greece, which are still rather unknown.
Προκαταρκτική μελέτη δύο Αιγυπτιακών νεαρών μουμιών. Σκοπός της έρευνας είναι η εκτίμηση κατάστασ... more Προκαταρκτική μελέτη δύο Αιγυπτιακών νεαρών μουμιών. Σκοπός της έρευνας είναι η εκτίμηση κατάστασης διατήρησής τους μέσω της αναγνώρισης του είδους των υλικών τους, της περιγραφής των μορφών διάβρωσης τον προσδιορισμό παραγόντων φθοράς. Μακροσκοπική εξέταση, OM, SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR, XRF, μυκητολογικές αναλύσεις. Δείγματα που αναλύθηκαν: τμήματα επιδέσμων, τμήματα ιστού δέρματος και τρίχες μαλλιών, φυτικό υλικό γέμισης και ρητινώδες υλικό ταρίχευσης, χάντρες, χρυσά υπολείμματα.
5th ARCH_RNT Symposium Archaeological Research and New Technologies Proceedings, 2020
Study of a child mummy's lock of youth hairs. Digital photography, measuring of dimensions, stere... more Study of a child mummy's lock of youth hairs. Digital photography, measuring of dimensions, stereoscopic observation, LED optical microscopy, SEM/EDS. Description of colour and hair morphology, description of covering material on the hair (possibly cosmetics or embalming material), description of preservation state, evidence of micro-organisms. Suggestions for preventive conservation. 4 OM images, 6 SEM micrographs.
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Papers by Yorgos Facorellis
site of Vryokastro on Kythnos island, Greece, in order to investigate the raw materials that were used for their production and the consequent
microstructural and performance characteristics of the mortars. Understanding these characteristics is vital for safeguarding the site’s heritage and
guiding conservation strategies. Powdered and freshly fractured samples as well as polished sections were studied to determine the chemical and
mineralogical composition of the mortars using various analytical techniques: Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with micro-
analyzer (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, grain size analysis, Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA), Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) were also conducted. The results of the analyses indicate that the samples
from Vryokastro site contain both air-hardening and hydraulic mortars, containing well-graded natural aggregates.
Acts of an International Symposium in honour of Professor Jan Bouzek
Volos 18-21 June 2015
EDITED BY
ALEXANDER MAZARAKIS AINIAN ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRIDOU & XENIA CHARALAMBIDOU
VOLOS 2017
© Πανεπιστηµιακές Εκδόσεις Θεσσαλίας / University of Thessaly Press ISBN: 978-960-9439-42-8
Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry,
Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi.
British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com
Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry,
Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi.
British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com)
site of Vryokastro on Kythnos island, Greece, in order to investigate the raw materials that were used for their production and the consequent
microstructural and performance characteristics of the mortars. Understanding these characteristics is vital for safeguarding the site’s heritage and
guiding conservation strategies. Powdered and freshly fractured samples as well as polished sections were studied to determine the chemical and
mineralogical composition of the mortars using various analytical techniques: Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with micro-
analyzer (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, grain size analysis, Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA), Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) were also conducted. The results of the analyses indicate that the samples
from Vryokastro site contain both air-hardening and hydraulic mortars, containing well-graded natural aggregates.
Acts of an International Symposium in honour of Professor Jan Bouzek
Volos 18-21 June 2015
EDITED BY
ALEXANDER MAZARAKIS AINIAN ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRIDOU & XENIA CHARALAMBIDOU
VOLOS 2017
© Πανεπιστηµιακές Εκδόσεις Θεσσαλίας / University of Thessaly Press ISBN: 978-960-9439-42-8
Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry,
Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi.
British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com
Chapter published in BAR S2780 Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry,
Edited by E. Photos-Jones in collaboration with Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi.
British Archaeological Reports Ltd; 9781407314303; 2016. Order Online: www.barpublishing.com)
During the excavation at the Sarakenos Cave, a considerable number of prehistoric finds were revealed, including lithic and bone implements, ceramics, figurines, hearths, human skeletons and animal bones, miscellaneous ornaments and 10.918 beads (Davri 2023).
The majority of the beads belongs to the LN period, and rarely to the MN (5800-5300 BC), the EN (6700-5.800 BC) and the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC). The highest concentration has been discovered at the LN I (5300-4300 BC) stratum of Trench F (Figs. 1 and 2), and sporadically at the other trenches (A, B, C, D, G and H) (Diagram 1).
such as great attention to embalming practices and remains of gold leaf on the face and feet of both child mummies point towards the assumption that they belonged to the upper class (Karamanou
et al., 2017). The problematic preservation state and questions on the
embalming materials and procedures led to a series of analyses on a variety of samples from both mummies (Karamanou et al., 2017). This paper focuses on the Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) observation and analysis performed on hair samples of the largest in size of the children’s mummies. DNA analysis on the hairs and species level
fungal characterization were also performed.
stone to date has shown that the site participated in a wide network of exchange and circulation of materials, information, and ideas. More than half of the assemblage (58 percent) is made of obsidian, most (if not all) of which has all the visual characteristics of coming from the Cycladic island of Melos. The rest of the material consists of different kinds of flint coming from various distant localities: from the Pindus Mountains to Albania and Bulgaria, and even further to the north.
The analysis of pottery, on the other hand, attests to a more localized pattern of circulation and exchange. Painted pottery in particular gives the impression of a local production, with affinities to Achilleion, but also
to pottery from Tzani Magoula, Pazaraki, and areas belonging to the so-called West Thessalian group. In pottery terms, Koutroulou Magoula seemed to have interacted more with the Thessalian tradition, and not
with that of southern central Greece. An exception here is the few drinking vessels that show decoration patterns pointing to other “cultural” traditions (e.g. geometric patterns from southern central Greece). This macroscopic picture seems to be confirmed by petrographic analysis of both pottery vessels and figurines.
ISBN: 978-1-7857-7210-9