Ceramic technology and paintings of archaic architectural slabs, louteria and antefixes from the Palatine Hill in Rome (Italy)

Archaic Roman painted antefixes, architectural slabs and louteria from the Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy, were studied by non-destructive and micro-destructive methods: Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), micro-Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The investigation enabled the characterization of raw materials and ceramic technology, providing insights on provenance. In fact, similarities were recognized with terracottas from the neighbouring Etruscan Veii. The analysis of pictorial layers revealed the use of Fe- and Mn-based pigments, as well as the identification of more precious pigments on worthy pieces. The research intended to support the archaeological discussion about the frame of the nascent city of Rome, also in relation to the coeval Etruscan culture.