First insights into the archaeometric analysis of the Los Amores Mosaic in Cástulo (Linares, Spain): the Judgement of Paris

Abstract This paper discusses results obtained from in situ analysis of the tesserae Roman mosaic Los Amores (Cástulo site, Linares, Spain) dating back to turn 1st 2nd century AD. Specifically, it focuses on scene The Judgment Paris. In view exceptional state preservation mosaic, which very few had fallen off, non-invasive methods with portable Micro Raman Spectroscopy (MRS) and hand-held X-ray fluorescence (hXRF) data assessment by use principal component binary representations were selected. allow evaluate both analytical method equipment used, as well classify raw materials, colouring agents opacifiers used. MRS proved crucial for identification stone (ironstones, carbonate siliciclastic rocks) type glasses used (soda-lime-silicate lead glasses) based two detached tesserae. hXRF glass identified (Co, Cu, Pb, Zn) (calcium antimonate). lend themselves an degradation process that threaten integrity mosaic. tessera made specific materials (especially ironstone) suggest existence a workshop Upper Guadalquivir (Eastern Andalusia, Spain).