Marco Ferrante - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Marco Ferrante
Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae nd from Baetica (so... more Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae nd from Baetica (southern Spain) in the late Republic, have been documented in recent years. There are close and unique iconographic parallels between them. We accordingly undertook an analysis of the isotopic signatures of the leads used in the two areas, to see if this aids in understanding their relationship. A t the same time, we investigated the presence of tin in the alloys of both complexes, and its implications. We then expanded to a consideration of the evidence of the presence in Carthago Nova of Italian gentes known from the area of Minturnae in the second and first centuries, and their role in the production of, and trade in, Spanish lead. This allowed us to identify a die-linked series among the lead pieces from Minturnae, signed by members of some of the most prominent gentes at Carthago Nova, which we suggest is evidence of a company trading between the two ports. We also investigated possib...
The Numismatic Chronicle, 2019
Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae and from Baetica (s... more Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae and from Baetica (southern Spain) in the late Republic, have been documented in recent years. There are close and unique iconographic parallels between them. We accordingly undertook an analysis of the isotopic signatures of the leads used in the two areas, to see if this aids in understanding their relationship. At the same time, we investigated the presence of tin in the alloys of both complexes, and its implications. The two complexes both largely used lead from the massively productive Cartagena-Marrazón area, but that each also had another separate supply. We then expanded to a consideration of the evidence of the presence in Carthago Nova of Italian gentes known from the area of Minturnae in the second and first centuries, and their role in the production of, and trade in, Spanish lead. This allowed us to identify a die-linked series among the lead pieces from Minturnae, signed by members of some of the most prominent gentes at Carthago Nova, which we suggest is evidence of a company (societas) trading between the two ports. We also investigated possible contacts with Minturnae of the gentes signing the Baetican complex. We conclude that the central role of Minturnae as a Republican port trading with Spain has been under-estimated, and that it played a key role in the early colonisation and exploitation of Hispania.
Antiquity, 2019
Following a mid twelfth-century BC demographic crisis, Frattesina, in northern Italy, arose as a ... more Following a mid twelfth-century BC demographic crisis, Frattesina, in northern Italy, arose as a prominent hub linking continental Europe and the Mediterranean, as evidenced by the remarkable variety of exotic materials and commodities discovered at the site. Debate persists, however, about the extent to which migrants influenced the foundation and development of Frattesina. The authors present the results of strontium isotope analyses, which suggest significant migration to the site, particularly of elites, mostly from within a 50km radius. Among these non-indigenous people, the authors identify a ‘warrior-chief’, whom they interpret as representing a new, more hierarchical society.
Iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) supported multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) derivatives have been pre... more Iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) supported multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) derivatives have been prepared as easily recyclable solid reagents. These compounds have been shown to be able to mimic the alcohol dehydrogenases and monooxygenases promoted oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes. Their reactivity was found to be dependent on the degree of functionalization of MWCNTs as well as from the chemical properties of the spacers used to bind IBX on the surface of the support. Au-decorated MWCNTs and the presence of longer spacers resulted in the optimal experimental conditions. A high conversion of the substrates and yield of desired products were obtained.
Des lingots de plomb hispano-romains portant l'estampille d'un producteur jusqu'alors inconnu, Q.... more Des lingots de plomb hispano-romains portant l'estampille d'un producteur jusqu'alors inconnu, Q.Vireius, inscrit dans la tribu Stellatina, ont été découverts en trois points de la Méditerranée occidentale: Santa Severa (côte ouest de l'Italie), Ibiza et Torre de la Sal (côte orientale d'Espagne). D'après les analyses isotopiques du plomb, ils doivent prove-nir des gisements de Carthagène-Mazarrón, dans le sud-est de l'Espagne. L'étude épigraphique de l'estampille, quant à elle, fournit des arguments permettant de rattacher le producteur précisément à Carthago Noua. Elle indique aussi que Q. Vireius est un citoyen romain, sans doute d'origine étrusque, ce qui s'accorde bien avec son appartenance à la tribu Stellatina. Q. Vireius fait ainsi partie d'une série d'exploitants des mines de Carthago Noua qui affichent leur qualité de citoyen romain sur leurs produits et dont on peut penser qu'ils ont bénéficié de cette promotion après la Guerre Sociale, ce qui du coup fournirait un terminus a quo pour la datation des lingots. L'exemplaire trouvé en Italie témoigne de l'insertion de l'entreprise de Q. Vireius dans le grand commerce transméditerranéen, tandis que ceux d'Ibiza et de Torre de la Sal sont plutôt liés à un commerce régional. Mots-clés: Lingots de plomb hispano-romains, Méditerranée, archéométrie (LIA), mines de Carthago Noua, ex-ploitant, commerce. Abstract Hispano-Roman lead ingots, bearing the mark of a heretofore unknown workshop owner, Q.Vireius (of the Stellatina tribe), have been discovered in three different locations of the western Mediterranean, Santa Severa (western coast of Italy), Ibiza and Torre de la Sal (eastern coast of Spain). According to lead isopotope analyses, they probably belong to the Cartagena-Mazarrón lodes (Southeastern Spain). An epigraphic study of the mark points to a Carthago Noua origin. It also shows that Q.Vireius was a Roman citizen, of probable etruscan origin, which fits in nicely with the fact that he belongs to the Stellatina tribe. So, Q.Vireius can be numbered among a group of operators of the Carthago Noua mines who blazened forth their Roman citizenship on their products which promotion can very well appear as owing to the part they took in the Social War, which, in its turn, would provide a terminus a quo for the dating of the ingots. The item found in Italy could be taken as evidence of Q.Vireius's belonging to the long distance Mediterranean trade, whereas those found at Ibiza or Torre de la Sal could be associated to a coastal traffic.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2016
Conference Presentations by Marco Ferrante
Strontium isotope analyses were used to investigate the mobility of a selected group of people in... more Strontium isotope analyses were used to investigate the mobility of a selected group of people inhabiting the piedmont area of Abruzzo, Central-Italy during the late Iron Age period (6th - 4th c BC). This Vestini population was one of the eleven groups settled in Abruzzo during the Iron Age. Their territory occupied regions on either side of the Gran Sasso mountains. This aspect is of particular interest because by tracing the mobility it is possible to determine whether the natural barrier, the Apennines chain, was effectively a barrier between the two sides or not.
Second molars were collected from the skeletons (N=16) of the archaeological site of Loreto Aprutino, Cappuccini quarter. This study focus on the understanding of the direct person's place of origin and it explores the correlations between age and sex and potential migration.
The 87Sr/86Sr values fall within two different ranges, 0.70701-0.7090 and 0.70901-0.71100 which, according to present-day baseline data, reflect the signals of the piedmont and mountain areas of Abruzzo. The results suggest that seven individuals (3 females and 4 male) originated from an area with Mesozoic sediments (Fig1). This kind of bedrock is present in the mountains between Loreto Aprutino and L'Aquila. Six individuals (4 females and 2 males) have a strontium signature that is compatible with the local middle Pliocene – early Pleistocene bedrock of the Loreto Aprutino site. Among the unsexed sex individuals, two potentially originated from the Mesozoic bedrock, and one from the local middle Pliocene – early Pleistocene.
While females appear to show a greater range of isotopic signatures, and thus potentially greater range of mobility, this difference is not statistically significant to the male values. When age is included, data are too fragmented and therefore no pattern is visible.
This research on mobility using strontium isotopes from human remains is the first ever done on the skeletons of Loreto Aprutino and in the Abruzzo region. The study provides valuable data for the growing of the stable isotopic Italian database to better understand people mobility in relation to the natural environment and culture.
An analytical method is presented to reduce the amount of 40 K in sea water samples, in order to ... more An analytical method is presented to reduce the amount of 40 K in sea water samples, in order to lower its interference in γ-ray analysis below 1.4 MeV due to the Compton continuum. Sodium tetraphenylborate was used to successfully precipitate 40 K in the samples. A custom procedure for precipitation of potassium was developed and it was evaluated for its selectivity, reproducibility and efficiency, using conventional analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This work has shown that the selective precipitation of potassium with sodium tetraphenylborate has led to a decrease of detection limit of radio nuclides such as 238 U, 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 137 Cs, 134 Cs, 133 I, 134 I, 60 Co in γ-analysis. In particular, the detection limit for nuclides with emissions in the energy window energy below 1400 keV is improved by almost one order of magnitude.
Talks by Marco Ferrante
by Alberto Martín Esquivel, Giacomo Pardini, Michele Asolati, Monica Baldassarri, Federico Carbone, Grazia Facchinetti, Marco Ferrante, Antonio F. Ferrandes, Massimiliano Munzi, Emanuela Spagnoli, Cruces Blázquez Cerrato, Bruno Callegher, Marta Gómez Barreiro, Bartolomé Mora-Serrano, and Augusto Palombini
[IT] Il seminario internazionale “Protocollo di studio e analisi della moneta proveniente da cont... more [IT] Il seminario internazionale “Protocollo di studio e analisi della moneta proveniente da contesti archeologici pluristratificati”, attraverso una riflessione aggiornata e partecipata, intende proporre alla Comunità Scientifica un insieme di regole condivise per il corretto studio e la pubblicazione del reperto numismatico. Nel corso dell’incontro verranno trattate diverse tematiche: dalla schedatura delle monete e catalogazione alla definizione dei tipi di rinvenimento e giacitura; dalle analisi archeometriche, spaziali e statistiche alla circolazione monetale.
Journal Papers by Marco Ferrante
Zephyrus, 2020
The aim of this article is to reinterpret a well-known underwater archaeological site located at ... more The aim of this article is to reinterpret a well-known underwater archaeological site located at Las Amoladeras, in La Manga del Mar Menor, near Cabo de Palos. For this purpose, after a historiographical review of the existing bibliography, we have studied, contextualized and undertaken isotopic analyses of some of the most interesting material from this archaeological site, as well as a plomo monetiforme (coin-like lead token) of the same type as those recovered at Las Amoladeras and the ones that circulated in the Balearic Islands. The lead isotope analyses carried out on the aforementioned artefacts allow us to determine the origin of the ore used in the first two objects as Cartagena – Mazarrón and the Sierra Morena respectively. However, the lead used in the manufacture of the plomo monetiforme seems to reflect a mixture of metals. Based on all the above, we interpret this site as the remains of a shipwreck dating from the 50-30 B.C. that was carrying a cargo composed in part, if not almost exclusively, of metallic items, mostly lead objects, probably to be sold and recycled. Las Amoladeras can therefore be contextualized in a very specific historical and economic framework, that of the commercialization and reuse of the lead in late Republican Hispania.
Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae nd from Baetica (so... more Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae nd from Baetica (southern Spain) in the late Republic, have been documented in recent years. There are close and unique iconographic parallels between them. We accordingly undertook an analysis of the isotopic signatures of the leads used in the two areas, to see if this aids in understanding their relationship. A t the same time, we investigated the presence of tin in the alloys of both complexes, and its implications. We then expanded to a consideration of the evidence of the presence in Carthago Nova of Italian gentes known from the area of Minturnae in the second and first centuries, and their role in the production of, and trade in, Spanish lead. This allowed us to identify a die-linked series among the lead pieces from Minturnae, signed by members of some of the most prominent gentes at Carthago Nova, which we suggest is evidence of a company trading between the two ports. We also investigated possib...
The Numismatic Chronicle, 2019
Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae and from Baetica (s... more Two large complexes of struck lead pieces, from the Roman colony of Minturnae and from Baetica (southern Spain) in the late Republic, have been documented in recent years. There are close and unique iconographic parallels between them. We accordingly undertook an analysis of the isotopic signatures of the leads used in the two areas, to see if this aids in understanding their relationship. At the same time, we investigated the presence of tin in the alloys of both complexes, and its implications. The two complexes both largely used lead from the massively productive Cartagena-Marrazón area, but that each also had another separate supply. We then expanded to a consideration of the evidence of the presence in Carthago Nova of Italian gentes known from the area of Minturnae in the second and first centuries, and their role in the production of, and trade in, Spanish lead. This allowed us to identify a die-linked series among the lead pieces from Minturnae, signed by members of some of the most prominent gentes at Carthago Nova, which we suggest is evidence of a company (societas) trading between the two ports. We also investigated possible contacts with Minturnae of the gentes signing the Baetican complex. We conclude that the central role of Minturnae as a Republican port trading with Spain has been under-estimated, and that it played a key role in the early colonisation and exploitation of Hispania.
Antiquity, 2019
Following a mid twelfth-century BC demographic crisis, Frattesina, in northern Italy, arose as a ... more Following a mid twelfth-century BC demographic crisis, Frattesina, in northern Italy, arose as a prominent hub linking continental Europe and the Mediterranean, as evidenced by the remarkable variety of exotic materials and commodities discovered at the site. Debate persists, however, about the extent to which migrants influenced the foundation and development of Frattesina. The authors present the results of strontium isotope analyses, which suggest significant migration to the site, particularly of elites, mostly from within a 50km radius. Among these non-indigenous people, the authors identify a ‘warrior-chief’, whom they interpret as representing a new, more hierarchical society.
Iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) supported multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) derivatives have been pre... more Iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) supported multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) derivatives have been prepared as easily recyclable solid reagents. These compounds have been shown to be able to mimic the alcohol dehydrogenases and monooxygenases promoted oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes. Their reactivity was found to be dependent on the degree of functionalization of MWCNTs as well as from the chemical properties of the spacers used to bind IBX on the surface of the support. Au-decorated MWCNTs and the presence of longer spacers resulted in the optimal experimental conditions. A high conversion of the substrates and yield of desired products were obtained.
Des lingots de plomb hispano-romains portant l'estampille d'un producteur jusqu'alors inconnu, Q.... more Des lingots de plomb hispano-romains portant l'estampille d'un producteur jusqu'alors inconnu, Q.Vireius, inscrit dans la tribu Stellatina, ont été découverts en trois points de la Méditerranée occidentale: Santa Severa (côte ouest de l'Italie), Ibiza et Torre de la Sal (côte orientale d'Espagne). D'après les analyses isotopiques du plomb, ils doivent prove-nir des gisements de Carthagène-Mazarrón, dans le sud-est de l'Espagne. L'étude épigraphique de l'estampille, quant à elle, fournit des arguments permettant de rattacher le producteur précisément à Carthago Noua. Elle indique aussi que Q. Vireius est un citoyen romain, sans doute d'origine étrusque, ce qui s'accorde bien avec son appartenance à la tribu Stellatina. Q. Vireius fait ainsi partie d'une série d'exploitants des mines de Carthago Noua qui affichent leur qualité de citoyen romain sur leurs produits et dont on peut penser qu'ils ont bénéficié de cette promotion après la Guerre Sociale, ce qui du coup fournirait un terminus a quo pour la datation des lingots. L'exemplaire trouvé en Italie témoigne de l'insertion de l'entreprise de Q. Vireius dans le grand commerce transméditerranéen, tandis que ceux d'Ibiza et de Torre de la Sal sont plutôt liés à un commerce régional. Mots-clés: Lingots de plomb hispano-romains, Méditerranée, archéométrie (LIA), mines de Carthago Noua, ex-ploitant, commerce. Abstract Hispano-Roman lead ingots, bearing the mark of a heretofore unknown workshop owner, Q.Vireius (of the Stellatina tribe), have been discovered in three different locations of the western Mediterranean, Santa Severa (western coast of Italy), Ibiza and Torre de la Sal (eastern coast of Spain). According to lead isopotope analyses, they probably belong to the Cartagena-Mazarrón lodes (Southeastern Spain). An epigraphic study of the mark points to a Carthago Noua origin. It also shows that Q.Vireius was a Roman citizen, of probable etruscan origin, which fits in nicely with the fact that he belongs to the Stellatina tribe. So, Q.Vireius can be numbered among a group of operators of the Carthago Noua mines who blazened forth their Roman citizenship on their products which promotion can very well appear as owing to the part they took in the Social War, which, in its turn, would provide a terminus a quo for the dating of the ingots. The item found in Italy could be taken as evidence of Q.Vireius's belonging to the long distance Mediterranean trade, whereas those found at Ibiza or Torre de la Sal could be associated to a coastal traffic.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2016
Strontium isotope analyses were used to investigate the mobility of a selected group of people in... more Strontium isotope analyses were used to investigate the mobility of a selected group of people inhabiting the piedmont area of Abruzzo, Central-Italy during the late Iron Age period (6th - 4th c BC). This Vestini population was one of the eleven groups settled in Abruzzo during the Iron Age. Their territory occupied regions on either side of the Gran Sasso mountains. This aspect is of particular interest because by tracing the mobility it is possible to determine whether the natural barrier, the Apennines chain, was effectively a barrier between the two sides or not.
Second molars were collected from the skeletons (N=16) of the archaeological site of Loreto Aprutino, Cappuccini quarter. This study focus on the understanding of the direct person's place of origin and it explores the correlations between age and sex and potential migration.
The 87Sr/86Sr values fall within two different ranges, 0.70701-0.7090 and 0.70901-0.71100 which, according to present-day baseline data, reflect the signals of the piedmont and mountain areas of Abruzzo. The results suggest that seven individuals (3 females and 4 male) originated from an area with Mesozoic sediments (Fig1). This kind of bedrock is present in the mountains between Loreto Aprutino and L'Aquila. Six individuals (4 females and 2 males) have a strontium signature that is compatible with the local middle Pliocene – early Pleistocene bedrock of the Loreto Aprutino site. Among the unsexed sex individuals, two potentially originated from the Mesozoic bedrock, and one from the local middle Pliocene – early Pleistocene.
While females appear to show a greater range of isotopic signatures, and thus potentially greater range of mobility, this difference is not statistically significant to the male values. When age is included, data are too fragmented and therefore no pattern is visible.
This research on mobility using strontium isotopes from human remains is the first ever done on the skeletons of Loreto Aprutino and in the Abruzzo region. The study provides valuable data for the growing of the stable isotopic Italian database to better understand people mobility in relation to the natural environment and culture.
An analytical method is presented to reduce the amount of 40 K in sea water samples, in order to ... more An analytical method is presented to reduce the amount of 40 K in sea water samples, in order to lower its interference in γ-ray analysis below 1.4 MeV due to the Compton continuum. Sodium tetraphenylborate was used to successfully precipitate 40 K in the samples. A custom procedure for precipitation of potassium was developed and it was evaluated for its selectivity, reproducibility and efficiency, using conventional analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This work has shown that the selective precipitation of potassium with sodium tetraphenylborate has led to a decrease of detection limit of radio nuclides such as 238 U, 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 137 Cs, 134 Cs, 133 I, 134 I, 60 Co in γ-analysis. In particular, the detection limit for nuclides with emissions in the energy window energy below 1400 keV is improved by almost one order of magnitude.
by Alberto Martín Esquivel, Giacomo Pardini, Michele Asolati, Monica Baldassarri, Federico Carbone, Grazia Facchinetti, Marco Ferrante, Antonio F. Ferrandes, Massimiliano Munzi, Emanuela Spagnoli, Cruces Blázquez Cerrato, Bruno Callegher, Marta Gómez Barreiro, Bartolomé Mora-Serrano, and Augusto Palombini
[IT] Il seminario internazionale “Protocollo di studio e analisi della moneta proveniente da cont... more [IT] Il seminario internazionale “Protocollo di studio e analisi della moneta proveniente da contesti archeologici pluristratificati”, attraverso una riflessione aggiornata e partecipata, intende proporre alla Comunità Scientifica un insieme di regole condivise per il corretto studio e la pubblicazione del reperto numismatico. Nel corso dell’incontro verranno trattate diverse tematiche: dalla schedatura delle monete e catalogazione alla definizione dei tipi di rinvenimento e giacitura; dalle analisi archeometriche, spaziali e statistiche alla circolazione monetale.
Zephyrus, 2020
The aim of this article is to reinterpret a well-known underwater archaeological site located at ... more The aim of this article is to reinterpret a well-known underwater archaeological site located at Las Amoladeras, in La Manga del Mar Menor, near Cabo de Palos. For this purpose, after a historiographical review of the existing bibliography, we have studied, contextualized and undertaken isotopic analyses of some of the most interesting material from this archaeological site, as well as a plomo monetiforme (coin-like lead token) of the same type as those recovered at Las Amoladeras and the ones that circulated in the Balearic Islands. The lead isotope analyses carried out on the aforementioned artefacts allow us to determine the origin of the ore used in the first two objects as Cartagena – Mazarrón and the Sierra Morena respectively. However, the lead used in the manufacture of the plomo monetiforme seems to reflect a mixture of metals. Based on all the above, we interpret this site as the remains of a shipwreck dating from the 50-30 B.C. that was carrying a cargo composed in part, if not almost exclusively, of metallic items, mostly lead objects, probably to be sold and recycled. Las Amoladeras can therefore be contextualized in a very specific historical and economic framework, that of the commercialization and reuse of the lead in late Republican Hispania.