Archaeometric characterization of original contents in unguentarium – 6th century BC and the first half of the 1st century AD (Museo Nazionale Atestino)

Archaeometric analyses (SEM, XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, Microraman, DNA analysis), were performed on 2 fragments of incense boluses, (6th century BC) and on 4 glass bottles (first half of the 1st century AD) collected in the National Atestino Museum (Padua - Italy) selected for the reconstruction of their pharmaceutical and medical practices. SEM-EDS analysis on the samples of "incense bolus" highlighted the use of mixtures of vegetable matter, dolomitic limestone dust and probable bone fragments. The composition of the organic residues in the glass bottles showed a mixture of organic and mineral substances well preserved and free of degradation products, probably due to the use of copper as natural antimicrobials. The glass bottles have sodium and partially potassium compositions, in relation to the diversified provenance of the raw material and realization technologies. Also, opacifiers, such as calcium antimonite, were used to protect the photosensitive preparations from exposure to light.