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PIXE–PIGE analyses of Byzantine glass bracelets (10th–13th centuries AD) from Isaccea, Romania

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Abstract

This paper reports the particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) analyses of 78 glass bracelet fragments discovered in the Byzantine fortified settlement of Isaccea, Romania (10th–13th centuries AD). The chemical composition of the glass was used to identify the raw materials and manufacturing techniques. Most of the bracelets turned out to be soda-lime-silica glasses, but lead and soda-lime-lead glasses were also identified. The PIXE–PIGE data revealed the glass chromophores and provided clues about the pigments used to decorate the external surfaces of some bracelets—lead stannate and gold alloy. The analytical results showed that the bracelets were manufactured by recycling different types of coloured glass, probably in a local workshop.

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Acknowledgments

Financial support by the Access to Research Infrastructures activity in the 7th Framework Programme of the EU CHARISMA Grant Agreement No. 228330 is gratefully acknowledged. The fruitful discussions about archaeological glass and glass making with Patrice Lehuédé and Isabelle Biron from C2RMF were essential for the interpretation of these results. Brice Moignard is thanked for his skilled technical support during the two experimental campaigns at AGLAE accelerator (2010 and 2011).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Horia Hulubei National Institute for Nuclear Physics and Engineering, 30 Reactorului Street, 077125, Măgurele, Romania

    R. Bugoi

  2. Muzeul Municipiului Bucureşti, B-dul I.C. Brătianu 2, 030174, Bucharest, Romania

    I. Poll & Gh. Mănucu-Adameşteanu

  3. Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France, Palais du Louvre, Paris Cedex 01, France

    T. Calligaro, L. Pichon & C. Pacheco

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  1. R. Bugoi
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Correspondence to R. Bugoi.

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Bugoi, R., Poll, I., Mănucu-Adameşteanu, G. et al. PIXE–PIGE analyses of Byzantine glass bracelets (10th–13th centuries AD) from Isaccea, Romania. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 307, 1021–1036 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4240-0

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