Thesis title: Organic residue analysis in archaeological amphorae
The work presented in this thesis focused on the analysis of archaeological vessels. Through the search for molecular markers, identified by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry and the observation of archaeobotanical remains, this study aims to identify the original content of the studied vessels. The analysis of organic residues, both contained in the ceramic sherd and in the waterproofing layer inside the amphora, offers a first reading of the functionality of the object and its content. Particular importance is given to the botanical identification and formulation techniques used to produce a waterproofing matrix that was affixed to the inside of the amphora. The paleobotanical investigation that mainly focused on the search for pollen, brings a new angle of analysis by concentrating on the one hand on the characterization of environmental and/or economic fossil species, and on the other hand on the botanical origin of the identified pollens.
In addition to the optimization of existing protocols for the extraction of molecules considered as biomarkers, this study focuses on the benefits of a multi-analytical archaeometric approach through the analysis of different archaeological artifacts from heterogeneous periods and contexts. Focusing on the Roman period, this thesis focuses on the analysis of wine and/or oil amphorae from the Planier 3 shipwreck (France) and the ancient anchorage of San Felice Circeo (Italy) before extending the methodology and the results to a "pouring" vase of singular typology dating from the Bronze Age (West Bank).