A systematic characterization of fibulae from Italy: from chemical composition to microstructure and corrosion processes

Abstract

Fibulae from the archaeological site of Egnatia were examined with the aim of identifying types of alloys, the processes employed for their manufacturing, and outlining the corrosion products. The results obtained, by identifying the raw materials and the technological solutions used allowed us to provide convincing answers to most of the archaeological questions and confirmed the integration of Egnatia in a complex commercial network. In addition, investigations focused on the study of corrosion products, with a view to the planning of more suitable restoration and preservation strategies.