Multi-analytical and comparative archaeometric study of ceramic amphorae from Çuka et Ajtoit and Butrint (Albania)

This study focuses on the analyses and comparison of ceramic samples from the archeological sites of Çuka et Ajtoit and Butrint (Albania). Recent archaeological excavations at Çuka et Ajtoit, brought to light significant fragments of Corinthian amphorae dating from the 6th–4th centuries BCE. The objective is to characterize these ceramic sherds in detail to obtain information about production techniques, technological developments, and raw material provenance. The aim is to reconstruct the role of pottery at the site and potential connections between production centers, especially in comparison with the amphorae from Butrint. A multi-analytical approach is applied, including Optical Microscopy (OM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder Diffraction (XRD). The analysis revealed a consistent mineralogical composition across ceramic samples, mainly characterized by inclusions of quartz, clinopyroxenes, plagioclase and silicate rock fragments. These components along with the analysis of clay mineral source suggest a local provenance of raw materials. Further comparative analysis with black-glazed amphorae from Phoinike (southern Albania) revealed strikingly similar mineralogical profiles, indicating possible technological and cultural connections among these archaeological sites and opening new perspectives for future studies on the diffusion of raw materials and manufacturing techniques. Finally, this study explores the potential of Terahertz technologies as an innovative approach to further investigate ceramic composition and properties in this still largely unexplored frequency range.