Region: CAMPANIA
Site: ISCHIA
Ceramic Class/Type: GRAECO ITALIC AMPHORA
Data from G. Olcese, Le anfore greco italiche di Ischia: archeologia e archeometria. Artigianato e
economia nel Golfo di Napoli, Roma 2010, to be referred for the complete texts by G. Montana e I.
Iliopoulos.
(Photomicrographs by G. Montana, size 0,5 mm, XP)
Among numerous and analysed ceramics from Ischia, some amphora samples, which represente
the local production (“fabric group I / chemical group D”), is displaied here.
FABRIC GROUP I / CHEMICAL GROUP D
Samples exhibit a single- to double-spaced porphyric related distribution. Their micromass is optically inactive and the
distribution of the aplastic inclusions is bimodal. The fine fraction ranges between medium and coarse silt (0.015-0.0625
mm) with its mode being around 0.02-0.04 mm. The size of the coarser inclusions fall between the medium and coarse
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sand size classes (0.4-0.8 mm). The c:f:v0.0625 ranges from 15:82:3 to 25:72:<3. Sanidine, plagioclase, K-felspar and
quartz are the dominant constituents. Dacitoids and brown coloured volcanic glass without any kind of inclusions as well
as limestone fragments and bioclasts (benthic foraminifera and corals) are common. The calcareous constituents are
frequently extensively decomposed due to firing temperature. Euhedral biotite flakes and greenish or colourless
clinopyroxene are encountered in fewer quantities whereas olivine is very rarely present. The finer fraction is composed
of angular quartz, feldspars (mostly plagioclase), limestone fragments, calcareous bioclasts and white mica laths. This
fabric group fit very well with chemical group D, which has been identified for the ceramics found in Ischia (I. Iliopoulos).
Sample ISC 637
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c= coarse fraction (>0.0625 mm); f=fine fraction (<0.0625 mm); v= voids
Sample ISC 638 / SR 1509
Sample ISC 642
Sample ISC 648 / SR 1473
Sample ISC 749