Michał Krueger

This study presents a systematically integrated, multiproxy characterisation of Iron Age ceramics from Tyre (Lebanon). Ninety‐nine ceramic samples from stratified Iron Age contexts on Tyre's Acropolis, together with a small Late Bronze Age and raw‐clay reference set, were analysed using petrography, microfossil identification, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Petrographic analysis defines four coherent paste groups reflecting both broadly shared fabric traditions and function‐specific technological adaptations. Microfossil assemblages with the Middle Eocene planktonic foraminifera   anchor the ceramic raw materials within the Eocene carbonate–marl formations exposed in and around Tyre. XRD constrains mineralogical variability within a predominantly calcareous ceramic tradition, whereas FTIR indicates predominantly low‐ to moderate‐temperature firing, with a small number of specimens showing evidence compatible with higher temperature thermal transformation and subsequent recarbonation. pXRF indicates broad chemical coherence across the assemblage, with only a small number of compositionally divergent specimens, some corresponding to petrographic deviations. Taken together, the results document a locally grounded ceramic production system characterised by long‐term technological stability combined with targeted recipe adjustments in response to functional and social demands during the Iron Age.

Located in the North European Plain and the heart of the Polish lands, the historic region of Kuyavia has long been an area where cultural communication and trade routes criss-crossed. This geographical characteristic had transformative effects on the region’s inhabitants of the Pre-Roman and Roman Iron Age, known as the Przeworsk culture. The attributes of a prehistoric society flourishing in a region of peripheral cross-roads are particularly manifest in the multiphase site of Gąski, where archaeological research began over 40 years ago. Among the site’s Iron Age artefacts, a leontomorphic (lion-bow) fibula from a child’s grave has been discovered but never before discussed in depth. Thus, we examine the current body of scientific and contextual evidence against a broader comparative and analytical background. This includes a review of all European specimens of such fibulae. As our analysis shows, they do not constitute a homogeneous group, but share a common origin in the area of historical Gaul. The decorative motifs on these fibulae rank them as “masterpieces of ancient craftsmanship”. Their varied archaeological contexts and dispersion across the European continent make them a fascinating family of artefacts in the study of cultural diffusion across the areas within and adjacent to the Roman Empire. The titular fibula from Kuyavia raises the questions of how such an artefact would find its long way here, and what its significance for the local communities might have been.

Residue analysis of small ceramic bottles from around Tyre in Lebanon reveals chemical traces of wine, resins, pitch and palm oil, indicating their multifunctional use. The authors state that these results enhance understanding of Phoenician container use, trade and production across diverse archaeological contexts.

This study investigates ochre from a Yamna culture grave in Michaľany, Eastern Slovakia. Radiocarbon dating resulted in 4330 ± 35 BP, calibrated to 3010–2898 bc . The grave's construction and dating confirm its cultural attribution. SEM and Raman spectrometry identified a red substance as hematite, representing the first evidence of its use in Yamna funerary practices in this region. Geochemical analysis suggests a local origin, likely linked to low‐temperature hydrothermal deposits in the nearby Brehov–Zemplín ore district. This finding provides new insights into ochre's symbolic and practical roles in Yamna funerary traditions.

El comienzo de las interacciones entre las comunidades indígenas de la península ibérica y los fenicios a partir del siglo IX a. n. e. facilitó el intercambio de ideas, tecnologías y bienes. Si bien estos intercambios afectaron principalmente a las comunidades costeras, la influencia del mundo fenicio se extendió, aunque en menor medida, a las regiones del interior. Este estudio emplea un enfoque multidisciplinar para analizar los restos de ánforas fenicias recuperados en la fortaleza de Els Vilars d’Arbeca (les Garrigues, Lleida). A través del examen petrográfico, fluorescencia de rayos X portátil y análisis de residuos orgánicos, se presentan nuevos datos sobre su origen y contenido, atribuyéndolas a talleres de la región de Malaka (Málaga), zona que jugó un papel clave en la exportación de productos hacia el Mediterráneo entre los siglos VI-V a. n. e. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es mejorar la comprensión de las interacciones comerciales entre las regiones sur y norte de la península ibérica, así como entre el interior y la costa nororiental peninsular.

Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the last 15 years become very popular and nowadays is a wellestablished device in archaeometry. This paper presents reflections based on the practice of using a spectrometer over the last years, trying to highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of this tool. To illustrate the potential of the device for research on more general than technical issues in archaeology, the results of spectroscopic analyses from two, closely located archaeological sites in western Andalusia, Setefilla necropolis and Setefilla settlement, is presented. Thanks to the potassium-titanium test it can be noticed that the results vary for each site, and the differences in elemental composition are interpreted as manifestations of the intentional use of different paste recipes for specific social practices.

Accelerated lakes eutrophication is one of the greatest challenges nowadays. To counteract its negative effects, large-scale restoration treatments are carried out worldwide. However, research in this field is mainly focused on the process effectiveness and there is a scarcity of studies concerning the impact of restoration treatments on water organisms and ecosystem homeostatsis. Our microcosm study presents the effects of a phosphorus coagulant (iron [III] chloride) on functional traits changes, oxidative stress and macro- and microelement stoichiometry disturbances in macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum, a model species inhabiting eutrophic waters. Application of the coagulant to experimental vessels influenced the physicochemical and optical parameters of water and led to significant changes in biogeochemistry. Stoichiometric alterations were reflected by disturbances in the relative contents of macro- (C, N, P, Ca, Mg) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co) and induced luxury consumption of available ions. Physicochemical and stoichiometric changes mutually exerted negative influence on M. spicatum functional traits. The parameters of oxidative stress remained at low levels, comparable to the untreated control whereas stoichiometric analysis revealed the activation of mechanisms responsible for minimizing low light stress. The ability of M. spicatum to maintain homeostasis of Cu and Co under simulated chemical water restoration was closely related to high concentrations of Fe and Zn ions, which simultaneously were not subjected to homeostasis control. Thus, chemical lake restoration treatments based on phosphorus coagulants are not as environmentally safe as previously considered and may have far-reaching consequences for the biogeochemical cycle and food web functioning.

Como consecuencia del colapso de las sociedades calcolíticas se abandonaron en el Bajo Guadalquivir muchos asentamientos y necrópolis. Después se produjo la reocupación de algunos sitios, entre ellos el Cerro de San Juan de Coria del Río. En este enclave se ha estudiado un estrato sincrónico del Argar en Andalucía oriental y el Sureste, del Bronce del Suroeste en el sur de Portugal y de la Cultura de las Motillas en la Mancha. Su repertorio cerámico rompe con las tradiciones anteriores, ahora con formas más pequeñas y de color negro y castaño, con superficies bruñidas, casi nunca decoradas. En este conjunto cerámico contrasta fuertemente un fragmento de cerámica roja bruñida de paredes muy delgadas y con una composición química absolutamente distinta según el análisis con un espectrómetro portátil, no pudiendo realizarse una lámina delgada por sus reducidas dimensiones. Esto abre la posibilidad de que se trate de un elemento no local, sumándose de esta forma a otras evidencias de intercambio de productos exóticos de prestigio como el marfil. Las dataciones radiocarbónicas del nivel 61 se sitúan entre 1875 y 1775 AC. Las posibles áreas de procedencia podrían ser el Egeo, con cerámicas bruñidas rojas elaboradas en la isla de Egina, o el Levante, entre la costa de Siria, Líbano y Palestina.

This article presents studies on iron speciation in the pottery obtained from archaeological sites. The determination of iron forms Fe(II) and Fe(III) has been provided by a very simple test that is available for routine analysis involving the technique of molecular absorption spectrophotometry (UV–Vis) in the acid leachable fraction of pottery. The elemental composition of the acid leachable fraction has been determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Additionally, the total concentration of the selected elements has been determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with energy dispersion (EDXRF). The results of the iron forms’ determinations in archaeological pottery samples have been applied in the archaeometric studies on the potential recognition of the pottery production technology, definitely going beyond the traditional analysis of the pottery colour.