Quantitative Analysis of Glass Artifacts from Mykolayiv and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts (southern Ukraine): a Multi-Scale Approach

Kateryna D’Ayala, Dmytro Nykonenko, Anzhelika Kolesnychenko, Oleh Yatsuk, Patrizia Davit, Monica Gulmini

Abstract

This study explores approaches to investigate archaeological glass artifacts and discuss the merits of a multi-scale approach integrating macroscopic characteristics with microanalysis to shed light into the routes of glass exchange in the past populations and on glass production techniques. Two case studies from southern Ukraine are considered: Hellenistic core-formed vessels from Olbia Pontica (5th c. BCE – 1st centuries CE) and Scythian beads from Khortytsia (5th-4th centuries BCE). SEM-EDS analysis of the Olbia glass led a preliminary classification into Types II and III, linked to Syro-Palestinian and Egyptian productions. The Khortytsia beads underwent in-depth analysis using LA-ICP-MS, XRD, and FORS, allowing a more detailed classification based on trace elements, as well as identification of opacifiers and colorants. The beads were divided into two groups according to TiO₂ and CaO concentrations, aligning with Iron Age production centres of glass in Egypt and the Levant.

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IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-041.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc24-2025.041

IMEKO TC

TC24 - Chemical Measurements

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