MÖSSBAUER STUDY OF MYCENEAN AND MINOAN POTTERY

Two series of samples of Mycenean and Minoan Pottery of well authenticated origin have been examined by Mossbauer Spectroscopy. The analysis of spectra taken at 77 K showed that parameters such as the quadrupole splitting and the total absorption area can be used for differentiating between the samples of the two series. The spectra show a dramatic increase of the ratio of the magnetic to total oxides, when the temperature is lowered from 4.2 to 1.4 K, suggesting a disintegration of the oxide particles. Comparison with results from modern pottery and pottery of intermediate ages shows that the degree of disintegration is a function of time. The possibility of using Mossbauer spectroscopy for dating ancient ceramics is discussed.