Andreas Charalambous | University of Cyprus (original) (raw)

Papers by Andreas Charalambous

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2023

This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeom... more This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017-2019).

Figurine Makers of Prehistoric Cyprus, 2019

A.CHARALAMBOUS, E.MARKOU AND V.KASSIANIDOU, AJN Second Series 32 (2020) pp. 1–30, 2020

The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the fifth century BC, minted by the... more The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the fifth century BC, minted by the Iron Age Cypriot city-kingdoms of Kition, Idalion, Lapethos, Paphos and Salamis, as well as a small number of coins from unidentified mints, was determined by pXRF spectrometry in order primarily to study the silver alloys used for their manufacture. The specific technique was applied because it allows for a non-destructive analysis, taking into consideration its inherent limitations as a surface analysis technique and the possibility of the existence of surface enrichment elements that do not reflect the materials' actual bulk composition. This is the first time such a large number of ancient Cypriot silver coins has been analyzed providing numismatists and archaeologists with new insights into this important component of ancient material culture. The results of the compositional analysis show that the various groups of coins were made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2017

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2021

A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, l... more A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, located on the east coast of Cyprus, and dated to the 16th-11th centuries BC, was studied and non-destructively chemically analysed using a handheld pXRF instrument. The assemblage consists of various categories of objects, such as weapons, tools, ornaments and scrap metal. The basic aims of the present work are the determination of the alloy type of the artefacts and the comparative study of the copper alloys used in the different chronological phases of Enkomi. The results show that most of the analysed artefacts, in all chronological phases, are made of a copper-tin binary alloy (bronze) with a tin concentration lower than 10 wt%, while some artefacts were made of unalloyed copper. Among the bronze artefacts, there is a group of objects which was found to have a significantly higher tin concentration (>13 wt% Sn). Regarding the other elements, there is a limited number of copper-ars...

Journal of Archaeological Science

Abstract Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were ... more Abstract Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were examined using a portable ED-XRF analyser (pXRF). The results show a higher than expected presence of non-local tin and a small number of leaded bronzes and copper-zinc alloys. A more detailed analysis suggests the use of particular alloys for some artefact types, most notably high-arsenic and high-tin bronze for plain pins and toggle pins, as well as recycling and mixing practices not previously considered for this period on Cyprus. It would appear that Lapithos was engaged in the production of metal artefacts and that imported tin bronze and high arsenic copper ores from the Limassol Forest region, on the other side of the island, were available to local metalsmiths in significant quantities. Lapithos' location on the north coast, the sheer quantity of metal found at this site and the presence of imports also suggest that it was involved in the maritime metals trade which linked southeast Anatolia to the Aegean and the Cyclades in the first half of the 2nd Millennium BC.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2015

Abstract Cyprus is considered to be one of the main sources for copper for the Old World since th... more Abstract Cyprus is considered to be one of the main sources for copper for the Old World since the second millennium BC. Yet we are still far from fully understanding the dynamics, which govern the organization of copper production and distribution on the island. The discovery of a complex of workshops during the excavation of the sacred precinct at the site of Kition — Kathari located in south-east Cyprus led some scholars to suggest that copper ores were smelted in these workshops while others have more recently suggested that the workshops were dedicated to casting and recycling votive artifacts. In order to address this issue and to determine the nature of the metallurgical process taking place at Kition a collection of 57 metallurgical ceramics and crucible slags from the site dating from the 13th to the late 4th century BC, was analyzed chemically with the use of a handheld pXRF instrument. Also, the same technique was employed to distinguish the existence of different fabric groups in the assemblage.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2015

Abstract More than 750 copper alloy artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age site of Pyla Kokkin... more Abstract More than 750 copper alloy artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age site of Pyla Kokkinokremos and the Iron Age sites of Palaepaphos Skales and Salamis were analyzed using a handheld pXRF for the determination of the alloy type that was used for their production. The results indicate the abundance of tin in the artefacts of Palaepaphos Skales and a more cautious use in the artefacts from Salamis. On the other hand, the results reveal the shortage of tin and the use of scrap metal in the case of Pyla Kokkinokremos. In Palaepaphos Skales and Salamis, tin was used in some artefacts in a high percentage in order to produce objects whose colour imitates that of gold artefacts. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that lead was added deliberately into the alloys to improve their cast ability, as the specific component is not present in Cypriot copper ores. The low concentration of arsenic in a number of artefacts is interpreted as evidence for the use of recycled metal deriving from artefacts dating to previous periods. Iron and zinc are believed to be non-intentional additions to the alloys, resulting from the smelting process. The present diachronic study of Cypriot copper alloys provides significant information regarding primarily the use of tin and secondly, the presence and justification of the use of the other metallic additives, in the production of bronzes.

Classical Cyprus. Proceedings of the International Conference at the University of Graz, Austria, 21–23 September 2017, Κυπριακά vol. 5, Wien, 335-351, 2020

Following the successful analytical study and publication of gold coins issued by the Iron Age Cy... more Following the successful analytical study and publication of gold coins issued by the Iron Age Cypriot city
kingdoms, a new research project was launched in 2015 at the Archaeological Research Unit of the University
of Cyprus. The project entitled “Interdisciplinary Study of Silver Coins of the Cypriot Iron Age City Kingdoms
(6th – 4th Centuries BC)”, funded by the above mentioned organisation was undertaken by Dr. Andreas
Charalambous in collaboration with the numismatist Dr. Evangeline Markou and coordinated by Professor
Vasiliki Kassianidou. The new project focuses on the silver issues of the Iron Age kingdoms and more specifically
on silver coins that were found in well-dated hoards. This paper reports on the elemental composition of
113 silver coins from the Vouni Hoard (IGCH 1278, burial date 390–380 BC), minted by the cities of Marion,
Kition, Lapithos, Paphos and Amathous. The chemical composition of the coins was determined by pXRF
spectrometry. The results of the compositional analysis show that the different types and issues of coins were
made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with silver concentration, for the majority of the coins, in the range 97-98.5%.
Overall, the coins for the most part display similarities although on occasion clear differences do exist in the
concentrations of minor and trace elements. These differences seem to correspond to different city mints or
coin issues and denominations.
Additionally, the results of the analysis are compared to those of a series of silver coins from the Larnaca Hoard
(IGCH 1272), which dates to the 5th century BC and it also includes coins from Kition, Lapithos and Paphos.
The comparative analysis aims at examining if there is a continuation in the minting technology of these three
cities. The project is expected to provide valuable new insights and knowledge regarding the manufacture
technology of the ancient Cypriot coinage, the monetary history of the city-kingdoms and the political conditions
of the specific period of time that the hoard was buried.

American Journal of Numismatics Second Series, 2020

The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the 5th century BC, minted by the I... more The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the 5th century BC, minted by the Iron Age Cypriot city-kingdoms of Kition, Idalion, Lapethos, Paphos and Salamis, as well as a small number of coins from unidentified mints, was determined by pXRF spectrometry in order primarily to study the silver alloys used for their manufacture. The specific technique was applied because it allows for a non-destructive analysis, taking into consideration its inherent limitations as a surface analysis technique and the possibility of the existence of surface enrichment elements that do not reflect the materials’ actual bulk composition. This is the first time such a large number of ancient Cypriot silver coins has been analyzed providing numismatists and archaeologists with new insights into this important component of ancient material culture. The results of the compositional analysis show that the various groups of coins were made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with silver concentration in the range of 96.5-98.5%. The proportion of copper, larger than the approximately 0.5% that would be expected from ordinary ancient methods of refining silver, is likely justified as an attempt to increase the hardness of the alloy and to improve its casting and minting processing, rather than as an attempt of debasement or a form of adulteration. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that most of the analyzed coins have a lead concentration below 0.5%, indicating a very efficient silver refining process. Gold is in most instances present in a concentration range between 0.1 and 0.5%. The presence of detectable bismuth in most of the coins, at lower concentrations than gold, provides information about the type of ores that were used for the production of silver metal. The interpretation of the chemical elements content reveals similarities and differences between the mints of the Cypriot city-kingdoms and the several coin issues.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2021

A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, l... more A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, located on the east coast of Cyprus, and dated to the 16th-11th centuries BC, was studied and non-destructively chemically analysed using a handheld pXRF instrument. The assemblage consists of various categories of objects, such as weapons, tools, ornaments and scrap metal. The basic aims of the present work are the determination of the alloy type of the artefacts and the comparative study of the copper alloys used in the different chronological phases of Enkomi. The results show that most of the analysed artefacts, in all chronological phases, are made of a copper-tin binary alloy (bronze) with a tin concentration lower than 10 wt%, while some artefacts were made of unalloyed copper. Among the bronze artefacts, there is a group of objects which was found to have a significantly higher tin concentration (>13 wt% Sn). Regarding the other elements, there is a limited number of copper-arsenic and copper-zinc alloys and an extensive presence of lead, although in most artefacts the latter is detected in concentrations lower than 1 wt%. Because lead concentration in local Cypriot ores is unusually low, its presence can be interpreted either as a deliberate or an accidental addition, even at these low concentrations. In addition, the presence of a noteworthy number of scrap metal fragments and the detection of low concentrations of arsenic and lead in most of the studied copper-tin alloy artefacts may suggest the possible use of recycled metal deriving from artefacts dating to earlier periods, namely the Early and Middle Bronze Age, which would originally have contained much higher concentrations of arsenic.

Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were examined ... more Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were examined using a portable ED-XRF analyser (pXRF). The results show a higher than expected presence of non-local tin and a small number of leaded bronzes and copper-zinc alloys. A more detailed analysis suggests the use of particular alloys for some artefact types, most notably high-arsenic and high-tin bronze for plain pins and toggle pins, as well as recycling and mixing practices not previously considered for this period on Cyprus. It would appear that Lapithos was engaged in the production of metal artefacts and that imported tin bronze and high arsenic copper ores from the Limassol Forest region, on the other side of the island, were available to local metalsmiths in significant quantities. Lapithos' location on the north coast, the sheer quantity of metal found at this site and the presence of imports also suggest that it was involved in the maritime metals trade which linked southeast Anatolia to the Aegean and the Cyclades in the first half of the 2nd Millennium BC.

In E. Peltenburg, D. Bolger, and L. Crewe (eds.), Figurine Makers of Prehistoric Cyprus: Settlement and Cemeteries at Souskiou, Oxford and Philadelphia: Oxbow Books. 279-286., 2019

The excavations at the site of Souskiou-Laona brought to light a small number of metal artefacts ... more The excavations at the site of Souskiou-Laona brought to light a small number of metal artefacts and faience beads, all of which are discussed in detail in other chapters of this monograph. They form two distinct, and yet related assemblages, as will be made clear further on. They have raised interesting questions and at the same time provided important insights regarding the level of pyrotechnology available at the time on the island and/or beyond, especially as one should consider/cannot exclude the possibility that some or even all of these artefacts may have been imports. It was thus deemed important that both assemblages should be subjected to chemical analysis. The fact that both are composed of rare artefacts that could not be sampled also dictated the method of analysis that could be used for their characterization. Namely, they were analyzed using a handheld portable XRF. THere we report on the results of the analysis of the metal and faience objects from Souskiou Laona.

In S. Rogge, Chr., Ioannou,Th. Mavrojannis (eds.), Salamis of Cyprus. History and Archaeology from the Earliest Times to Late Antiquity. Conference in Nicosia, 21–23 May 2015. Schriften des Instituts für Interdisziplinäre Zypern-Studien, Vol. 13. Münster: Waxmann Verlag GmbH. 228-245., 2019

The excavations of the Royal tombs of Salamis brought to light a significant number of objects ma... more The excavations of the Royal tombs of Salamis brought to light a significant number of objects made of copper alloys. This paper presents the results of the pXRF chemical analysis of more than 550 objects. The analyzed assemblage consists of various types of tools, weapons, ornaments, table-ware and utensils, as well as a large number of accessories from the equipment of horses and chariots. The main aim of this study was the determination of the alloy type that was used for the production of these different types of objects. The results show a prudent use of tin for the production of certain categories of objects: a large number of them were found to be made of unalloyed copper. The analysis also provides some interesting information relating to the more elaborate artifacts such as the cauldron with the griffin protomes. The results are compared and contrasted to those from the chemical analysis of copper alloy artifacts from earlier periods and more importantly those excavated in the necropoleis of Palaepaphos Skales and Plakes dating to the Early Iron Age.

The origins of copper-based metallurgy on the island of Cyprus, which became the main supplier of... more The origins of copper-based metallurgy on the island of Cyprus, which became the main supplier of the metal in the Late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean and whose name became associated with the metal, is relatively obscure. While metal extraction and metal artefacts became increasingly important in the broader Near East, early metallurgy on Cyprus remains poorly known, and it is often postulated that metals were of limited importance on the island prior to the Philia phase. Here we present a unique context from the Late Chalcolithic (ca. 2800-2400 BC) from the excavations at Chlorakas-Palloures that has considerable ramifications for this debate.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2023

This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeom... more This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017-2019).

Figurine Makers of Prehistoric Cyprus, 2019

A.CHARALAMBOUS, E.MARKOU AND V.KASSIANIDOU, AJN Second Series 32 (2020) pp. 1–30, 2020

The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the fifth century BC, minted by the... more The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the fifth century BC, minted by the Iron Age Cypriot city-kingdoms of Kition, Idalion, Lapethos, Paphos and Salamis, as well as a small number of coins from unidentified mints, was determined by pXRF spectrometry in order primarily to study the silver alloys used for their manufacture. The specific technique was applied because it allows for a non-destructive analysis, taking into consideration its inherent limitations as a surface analysis technique and the possibility of the existence of surface enrichment elements that do not reflect the materials' actual bulk composition. This is the first time such a large number of ancient Cypriot silver coins has been analyzed providing numismatists and archaeologists with new insights into this important component of ancient material culture. The results of the compositional analysis show that the various groups of coins were made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2017

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2021

A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, l... more A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, located on the east coast of Cyprus, and dated to the 16th-11th centuries BC, was studied and non-destructively chemically analysed using a handheld pXRF instrument. The assemblage consists of various categories of objects, such as weapons, tools, ornaments and scrap metal. The basic aims of the present work are the determination of the alloy type of the artefacts and the comparative study of the copper alloys used in the different chronological phases of Enkomi. The results show that most of the analysed artefacts, in all chronological phases, are made of a copper-tin binary alloy (bronze) with a tin concentration lower than 10 wt%, while some artefacts were made of unalloyed copper. Among the bronze artefacts, there is a group of objects which was found to have a significantly higher tin concentration (>13 wt% Sn). Regarding the other elements, there is a limited number of copper-ars...

Journal of Archaeological Science

Abstract Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were ... more Abstract Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were examined using a portable ED-XRF analyser (pXRF). The results show a higher than expected presence of non-local tin and a small number of leaded bronzes and copper-zinc alloys. A more detailed analysis suggests the use of particular alloys for some artefact types, most notably high-arsenic and high-tin bronze for plain pins and toggle pins, as well as recycling and mixing practices not previously considered for this period on Cyprus. It would appear that Lapithos was engaged in the production of metal artefacts and that imported tin bronze and high arsenic copper ores from the Limassol Forest region, on the other side of the island, were available to local metalsmiths in significant quantities. Lapithos' location on the north coast, the sheer quantity of metal found at this site and the presence of imports also suggest that it was involved in the maritime metals trade which linked southeast Anatolia to the Aegean and the Cyclades in the first half of the 2nd Millennium BC.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2015

Abstract Cyprus is considered to be one of the main sources for copper for the Old World since th... more Abstract Cyprus is considered to be one of the main sources for copper for the Old World since the second millennium BC. Yet we are still far from fully understanding the dynamics, which govern the organization of copper production and distribution on the island. The discovery of a complex of workshops during the excavation of the sacred precinct at the site of Kition — Kathari located in south-east Cyprus led some scholars to suggest that copper ores were smelted in these workshops while others have more recently suggested that the workshops were dedicated to casting and recycling votive artifacts. In order to address this issue and to determine the nature of the metallurgical process taking place at Kition a collection of 57 metallurgical ceramics and crucible slags from the site dating from the 13th to the late 4th century BC, was analyzed chemically with the use of a handheld pXRF instrument. Also, the same technique was employed to distinguish the existence of different fabric groups in the assemblage.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2015

Abstract More than 750 copper alloy artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age site of Pyla Kokkin... more Abstract More than 750 copper alloy artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age site of Pyla Kokkinokremos and the Iron Age sites of Palaepaphos Skales and Salamis were analyzed using a handheld pXRF for the determination of the alloy type that was used for their production. The results indicate the abundance of tin in the artefacts of Palaepaphos Skales and a more cautious use in the artefacts from Salamis. On the other hand, the results reveal the shortage of tin and the use of scrap metal in the case of Pyla Kokkinokremos. In Palaepaphos Skales and Salamis, tin was used in some artefacts in a high percentage in order to produce objects whose colour imitates that of gold artefacts. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that lead was added deliberately into the alloys to improve their cast ability, as the specific component is not present in Cypriot copper ores. The low concentration of arsenic in a number of artefacts is interpreted as evidence for the use of recycled metal deriving from artefacts dating to previous periods. Iron and zinc are believed to be non-intentional additions to the alloys, resulting from the smelting process. The present diachronic study of Cypriot copper alloys provides significant information regarding primarily the use of tin and secondly, the presence and justification of the use of the other metallic additives, in the production of bronzes.

Classical Cyprus. Proceedings of the International Conference at the University of Graz, Austria, 21–23 September 2017, Κυπριακά vol. 5, Wien, 335-351, 2020

Following the successful analytical study and publication of gold coins issued by the Iron Age Cy... more Following the successful analytical study and publication of gold coins issued by the Iron Age Cypriot city
kingdoms, a new research project was launched in 2015 at the Archaeological Research Unit of the University
of Cyprus. The project entitled “Interdisciplinary Study of Silver Coins of the Cypriot Iron Age City Kingdoms
(6th – 4th Centuries BC)”, funded by the above mentioned organisation was undertaken by Dr. Andreas
Charalambous in collaboration with the numismatist Dr. Evangeline Markou and coordinated by Professor
Vasiliki Kassianidou. The new project focuses on the silver issues of the Iron Age kingdoms and more specifically
on silver coins that were found in well-dated hoards. This paper reports on the elemental composition of
113 silver coins from the Vouni Hoard (IGCH 1278, burial date 390–380 BC), minted by the cities of Marion,
Kition, Lapithos, Paphos and Amathous. The chemical composition of the coins was determined by pXRF
spectrometry. The results of the compositional analysis show that the different types and issues of coins were
made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with silver concentration, for the majority of the coins, in the range 97-98.5%.
Overall, the coins for the most part display similarities although on occasion clear differences do exist in the
concentrations of minor and trace elements. These differences seem to correspond to different city mints or
coin issues and denominations.
Additionally, the results of the analysis are compared to those of a series of silver coins from the Larnaca Hoard
(IGCH 1272), which dates to the 5th century BC and it also includes coins from Kition, Lapithos and Paphos.
The comparative analysis aims at examining if there is a continuation in the minting technology of these three
cities. The project is expected to provide valuable new insights and knowledge regarding the manufacture
technology of the ancient Cypriot coinage, the monetary history of the city-kingdoms and the political conditions
of the specific period of time that the hoard was buried.

American Journal of Numismatics Second Series, 2020

The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the 5th century BC, minted by the I... more The elemental composition of 436 silver coins from a hoard of the 5th century BC, minted by the Iron Age Cypriot city-kingdoms of Kition, Idalion, Lapethos, Paphos and Salamis, as well as a small number of coins from unidentified mints, was determined by pXRF spectrometry in order primarily to study the silver alloys used for their manufacture. The specific technique was applied because it allows for a non-destructive analysis, taking into consideration its inherent limitations as a surface analysis technique and the possibility of the existence of surface enrichment elements that do not reflect the materials’ actual bulk composition. This is the first time such a large number of ancient Cypriot silver coins has been analyzed providing numismatists and archaeologists with new insights into this important component of ancient material culture. The results of the compositional analysis show that the various groups of coins were made of a similar Ag-Cu alloy with silver concentration in the range of 96.5-98.5%. The proportion of copper, larger than the approximately 0.5% that would be expected from ordinary ancient methods of refining silver, is likely justified as an attempt to increase the hardness of the alloy and to improve its casting and minting processing, rather than as an attempt of debasement or a form of adulteration. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that most of the analyzed coins have a lead concentration below 0.5%, indicating a very efficient silver refining process. Gold is in most instances present in a concentration range between 0.1 and 0.5%. The presence of detectable bismuth in most of the coins, at lower concentrations than gold, provides information about the type of ores that were used for the production of silver metal. The interpretation of the chemical elements content reveals similarities and differences between the mints of the Cypriot city-kingdoms and the several coin issues.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2021

A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, l... more A collection of 206 copper-base artefacts coming from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Enkomi, located on the east coast of Cyprus, and dated to the 16th-11th centuries BC, was studied and non-destructively chemically analysed using a handheld pXRF instrument. The assemblage consists of various categories of objects, such as weapons, tools, ornaments and scrap metal. The basic aims of the present work are the determination of the alloy type of the artefacts and the comparative study of the copper alloys used in the different chronological phases of Enkomi. The results show that most of the analysed artefacts, in all chronological phases, are made of a copper-tin binary alloy (bronze) with a tin concentration lower than 10 wt%, while some artefacts were made of unalloyed copper. Among the bronze artefacts, there is a group of objects which was found to have a significantly higher tin concentration (>13 wt% Sn). Regarding the other elements, there is a limited number of copper-arsenic and copper-zinc alloys and an extensive presence of lead, although in most artefacts the latter is detected in concentrations lower than 1 wt%. Because lead concentration in local Cypriot ores is unusually low, its presence can be interpreted either as a deliberate or an accidental addition, even at these low concentrations. In addition, the presence of a noteworthy number of scrap metal fragments and the detection of low concentrations of arsenic and lead in most of the studied copper-tin alloy artefacts may suggest the possible use of recycled metal deriving from artefacts dating to earlier periods, namely the Early and Middle Bronze Age, which would originally have contained much higher concentrations of arsenic.

Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were examined ... more Four hundred and fifteen Middle Bronze Age metal artefacts from Lapithos in Cyprus were examined using a portable ED-XRF analyser (pXRF). The results show a higher than expected presence of non-local tin and a small number of leaded bronzes and copper-zinc alloys. A more detailed analysis suggests the use of particular alloys for some artefact types, most notably high-arsenic and high-tin bronze for plain pins and toggle pins, as well as recycling and mixing practices not previously considered for this period on Cyprus. It would appear that Lapithos was engaged in the production of metal artefacts and that imported tin bronze and high arsenic copper ores from the Limassol Forest region, on the other side of the island, were available to local metalsmiths in significant quantities. Lapithos' location on the north coast, the sheer quantity of metal found at this site and the presence of imports also suggest that it was involved in the maritime metals trade which linked southeast Anatolia to the Aegean and the Cyclades in the first half of the 2nd Millennium BC.

In E. Peltenburg, D. Bolger, and L. Crewe (eds.), Figurine Makers of Prehistoric Cyprus: Settlement and Cemeteries at Souskiou, Oxford and Philadelphia: Oxbow Books. 279-286., 2019

The excavations at the site of Souskiou-Laona brought to light a small number of metal artefacts ... more The excavations at the site of Souskiou-Laona brought to light a small number of metal artefacts and faience beads, all of which are discussed in detail in other chapters of this monograph. They form two distinct, and yet related assemblages, as will be made clear further on. They have raised interesting questions and at the same time provided important insights regarding the level of pyrotechnology available at the time on the island and/or beyond, especially as one should consider/cannot exclude the possibility that some or even all of these artefacts may have been imports. It was thus deemed important that both assemblages should be subjected to chemical analysis. The fact that both are composed of rare artefacts that could not be sampled also dictated the method of analysis that could be used for their characterization. Namely, they were analyzed using a handheld portable XRF. THere we report on the results of the analysis of the metal and faience objects from Souskiou Laona.

In S. Rogge, Chr., Ioannou,Th. Mavrojannis (eds.), Salamis of Cyprus. History and Archaeology from the Earliest Times to Late Antiquity. Conference in Nicosia, 21–23 May 2015. Schriften des Instituts für Interdisziplinäre Zypern-Studien, Vol. 13. Münster: Waxmann Verlag GmbH. 228-245., 2019

The excavations of the Royal tombs of Salamis brought to light a significant number of objects ma... more The excavations of the Royal tombs of Salamis brought to light a significant number of objects made of copper alloys. This paper presents the results of the pXRF chemical analysis of more than 550 objects. The analyzed assemblage consists of various types of tools, weapons, ornaments, table-ware and utensils, as well as a large number of accessories from the equipment of horses and chariots. The main aim of this study was the determination of the alloy type that was used for the production of these different types of objects. The results show a prudent use of tin for the production of certain categories of objects: a large number of them were found to be made of unalloyed copper. The analysis also provides some interesting information relating to the more elaborate artifacts such as the cauldron with the griffin protomes. The results are compared and contrasted to those from the chemical analysis of copper alloy artifacts from earlier periods and more importantly those excavated in the necropoleis of Palaepaphos Skales and Plakes dating to the Early Iron Age.

The origins of copper-based metallurgy on the island of Cyprus, which became the main supplier of... more The origins of copper-based metallurgy on the island of Cyprus, which became the main supplier of the metal in the Late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean and whose name became associated with the metal, is relatively obscure. While metal extraction and metal artefacts became increasingly important in the broader Near East, early metallurgy on Cyprus remains poorly known, and it is often postulated that metals were of limited importance on the island prior to the Philia phase. Here we present a unique context from the Late Chalcolithic (ca. 2800-2400 BC) from the excavations at Chlorakas-Palloures that has considerable ramifications for this debate.

by Evangeline Markou, Giorgos Bourogiannis, Yannick Vernet, Giorgos Papantoniou, Claire BALANDIER, Michel Amandry, Artemis Georgiou, Antoine Hermary, Gabriele Koiner, Julien Olivier, Andreas Charalambous, and jacqueline karageorghis

The research Project “The Silver Coinage of the Kings of Cyprus: Numismatics and History in the A... more The research Project “The Silver Coinage of the Kings of Cyprus: Numismatics and History in the Archaic and Classical Periods (6th to 4th centuries BC)” (acronym SilCoinCy)” is realised in the Institute of Historical Research (IHR), Section of Greek and Roman Antiquity, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), Athens, Greece and is funded by the Action ARISTEIA II.

The Action falls under the Fourth Strategic Objective of the Operational Programme (OP) 'Education and Lifelong Learning’ (EdLL), entitled 'Supporting the Human Capital in order to Promote Research and Innovation' of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2007-2013 which is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and National Resources.

The website, entitled: Kyprios Character. History, Archaeology & Numismatics of Ancient Cyprus is currently under construction but you can leave your email and receive information as soon as it goes live.

The website will include by July 2015 a complete numismatic bibliography, a numismatic database including at least 1.500 Cypriot coins that were given permissions for online publication, together with more than 50 scientific essays on the history and archaeology of ancient Cyprus, written by external scientific collaborators from around the world.

The website will finally propose news, a calendar of events and links related to the history, archaeology and numismatics of ancient Cyprus.

This volume is the full publication of eighteen Early and Middle Bronze Age tombs excavated in th... more This volume is the full publication of eighteen Early and Middle Bronze Age tombs excavated in the extensive Vrysi tou Barba cemetery at Lapithos on the north coast of Cyprus in 1917 by Menelaos Markides, the first Curator of the Cyprus Museum. Based on archival records, museum inventories and the finds, most of which could still be identified in the Cyprus Museum, it presents a full description of each tomb and its contents, with tomb plans, drawings and colour photographs of all objects; as well as a detailed account of the excavations, of the tombs and their assemblages and of the site of Lapithos in their wider archaeological context. In addition, it contains chapters on Markides (by Despina Pilides), the location of the tombs (by Stella Diakou and Jennifer Webb), portable X-ray Fluorescence analysis of the ceramics (by Maria Dikomitou-Eliadou and Marcos Martinón-Torres) and the chemical characterisation of the copper alloy artefacts (by Andreas Charalambous). The volume almost doubles the number of excavated and fully published tombs from the Vrysi tou Barba cemetery and makes an important contribution to our understanding of one of the largest and most important Middle Bronze Age settlements on Cyprus.

The origins of copper-based metallurgy on the island of Cyprus, which became the main supplier of... more The origins of copper-based metallurgy on the island of Cyprus, which became the main supplier of the metal in the Late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean and whose name became associated with the metal, is relatively obscure. While metal extraction and metal artefacts became increasingly important in the broader Near East, early metallurgy on Cyprus remains poorly known, and it is often postulated that metals were of limited importance on the island prior to the Philia phase. Here we present a unique context from the Late Chalcolithic (ca. 2800-2400 BC) from the excavations at Chlorakas-Palloures that has considerable ramifications for this debate.

in E. Photos–Jones, Y. Bassiakos, E. Filippaki, A. Hein, I. Karatasios, V. Kilikoglou and E. Kouloumpi (eds.), Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry, BAR International Series 2780, Oxford, 95–99, 2016

This paper concerns the compositional analysis of a significant number of copper alloy artefacts ... more This paper concerns the compositional analysis of a significant number of copper alloy artefacts from three sites in Cyprus, and aims to investigate the types of alloys used on the island during the Late Bronze and the Early Iron Age. The sites under study are the area of the modern city of Limassol (a number of Late Bronze Age tombs situated in several areas of the city), the Late Bronze Age settlement of Pyla Kokkinokremos and the Early Iron Age cemetery of Palaepaphos Skales. This research intends to provide significant information primarily regarding the use of tin, as well as the presence and use of other metals, for the production of the bronze artefacts.

A. Sneddon, L. Graham, T. Rymer and G. Deftereos, The Middle Bronze Age Settlement at Alambra in Cyprus, 2012-2016, Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology 153. Nicosia: Astrom Editions., 2022

Heritage, 2022

Picrolite artefacts comprise some of the most distinctive material remains in the prehistory of t... more Picrolite artefacts comprise some of the most distinctive material remains in the prehistory of the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. Picrolite exploitation dates from at least 12,000 years ago for the manufacture of personal ornaments and items with a symbolic function. It is commonly assumed that picrolite nodules were collected in secondary deposits on an ad hoc basis. This narrative, however, ignores the fact that picrolite carriers can only be found in very specific locations on the island, discrete from each other. Here we report initial outcomes of the application of handheld portable X-ray fluorescence (HHpXRF) and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR- XRF) to the analysis of picrolite raw materials performed at the newly opened PUMA beamline of the SOLEIL Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Our work refines the basic characteristics of the elemental constituents of the picrolite raw material and highlights key microstructural differences between two distinct source regions on the Troodos Massif in western Cyprus. Picrolite source characterisation is expected to contribute significant new knowledge to the study of rare raw material consumption, prehistoric social organisation, networking and possible long-distance exchange of this idiosyncratic raw material within and beyond the island’s geographic boundaries.

Historical Metallurgy, 2021

Two groups, each of six bronze tools, which are thought to be parts of a single Late Bronze Age h... more Two groups, each of six bronze tools, which are thought to be parts of a single Late Bronze Age hoard probably found in the area of Palaepaphos in Cyprus, were studied and their composition determined by pXRF. Three of the objects carry small cross-shaped marks. Despite their lack of archaeological context, they are considered significant finds. Seven of the objects are of a type known as 'ploughshares' but here the implied use is questioned and a possible function as mining tools is proposed.