Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Microstructural Features in Corroded Celtic Iron Age Sword Blades

  • Published:
JOM Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Archaeological artefacts made from iron and steel are often of critical importance for archaeometallurgical studies, which aim to understand the process of manufacturing, as the nearly complete alloy mineralization does not allow for any type of metallographic interpretation. In this study, three Iron Age sword blades dated from the second century BC (LaTène B2/D1) found in the archaeological site of Tintignac (Commune de Naves, Corrèze, France), were investigated. A multianalytical approach was employed to acquire a complete range of data from the partially or totally corroded objects. Analyses were carried out with the use of light optical microscopy, micro Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). Remnants of metallographic features—ghost microstructure—in the corrosion layers of the blades were observed, allowing for a partial reconstruction of the manufacturing process.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J.D. Light, Mater. Charact. 45, 327 (2001).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. B. Abdu and R. Gordon, J. Archaeol. Sci. 31, 979 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. A. Eliyahu-Behar, N. Yahalom-Mack, S. Shilstein, A. Zukerman, C. Shafer-Elliott, A.M. Maeir, E. Boaretto, I. Finkelstein, and S. Weiner, J. Archaeol. Sci. 39, 255 (2012).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. A. Eliyahu-Behar, N. Yahalom-Mack, Y. Gadot, and I. Finkelstein, J. Archaeol. Sci. 40, 4319 (2013).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. L. Iles and M. Martinón-Torres, J. Archaeol. Sci. 36, 2314 (2009).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. M.R. Pinasco, M.G. Ienco, P. Piccardo, G. Pellati, and E. Stagno, Ann. Chim. 97, 553 (2007).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. P. Piccardo, Microscopy and Analysis (Bookham: Rolston Gordon Communications, 2000).

    Google Scholar 

  8. P. Piccardo, M.R. Pinasco, and E. Stagno, Collect Monogr Instrum 5, 185 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  9. M.R. Notis, MRS Proc. 115, 712 (2011).

    Google Scholar 

  10. R. Knox, Archaeometry 6, 43 (1963).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. S. Balos, A. Benscoter, and A. Pense, Mater. Charact. 60, 271 (2009).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. J.S. Park, Mater. Charact. 54, 409 (2005).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. O.D. Sherby and J. Wadsworth, J. Mater. Process. Technol. 117, 347 (2001).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. J.M. Jiménez, E. Bravo, A.J. Criado, R. Arévalo, C. Dietz, J.A. Martínez, and A.J. Criado, Mater. Charact. 52, 145 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. P. Valerio, M.D.F. Araújo, and A. Canha, Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. Sect. B 263, 477 (2007).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. P. Piccardo, B. Mille, and L. Robbiola, Corrosion of Metallic Heritage Artefacts—Investigation, Conservation and Prediction of Long-Term Behaviour, ed. P. Dillmann, G. Beranger, P. Piccardo, and H. Matthiesen (Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing, 2007), p. 239.

    Google Scholar 

  17. D. Neff, E. Vega, P. Dillmann, M. Descostes, L. Bellot-Gurlet, and G. Béranger, Corrosion of Metallic Heritage Artefacts—Investigation, Conservation and Prediction of Long-Term Behaviour, ed. P. Dillmann, G. Beranger, P. Piccardo, and H. Matthiesen (Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing, 2007), p. 41.

    Google Scholar 

  18. M. Saheb, M. Descostes, D. Neff, H. Matthiesen, A. Michelin, and P. Dillmann, Appl. Geochem. 25, 1937 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. D. Neff, L. Bellot-Gurlet, P. Dillmann, U.M.R. Cea, C.E.A. Saclay, and G. Yvette, J. Raman Spectro. 38, 389 (2007).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. C. Maniquet, Archèologia 419, 16 (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  21. C. Maniquet, Gallia 65, 273 (2008).

    Google Scholar 

  22. C. Maniquet, T. Lejars, B. Armbruster, M. Pernot, M. Drieux-Daguerre, and P. Mora, et al., Aquitania 27, 7 (2011).

    Google Scholar 

  23. D. Neff, P. Dillmann, L. Bellot-Gurlet, and G. Beranger, Corros. Sci. 47, 515 (2005).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. P. Piccardo, M. Mödlinger, G. Ghiara, S. Campodonico, and V. Bongiorno, Appl. Phys. A 113, 1039 (2013).

    Google Scholar 

  25. D. Neff, S. Reguer, L. Bellot-Gurlet, P. Dillmann, and R. Bertholon, J. Raman Spectrosc. 35, 739 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. S. Reguer, F. Mirambet, E. Dooryhee, J.-L. Hodeau, P. Dillmann, and P. Lagarde, Corros. Sci. 51, 2795 (2009).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. S. Réguer, P. Dillmann, and F. Mirambet, Corros. Sci. 49, 2726 (2007).

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank C. Maniquet (head archaeologist of Tintignac excavations - INRAP-Limoges), M. Fabioux and the Compiègne facility of INRAP-Limoges, M. Drieux-Daguerre (Materia Viva, Toulouse), the city of Naves en Corrèze, and especially the mayor A. Brette for allowing the sampling and the examination of the blades. A special tribute has to be paid to E. Ilkova for her wise and fruitful support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale (DCCI), Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146, Genoa, Italy

    G. Ghiara, P. Piccardo, S. Campodonico & M. M. Carnasciali

  2. Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121, Florence, Italy

    G. Ghiara, P. Piccardo, S. Campodonico & M. M. Carnasciali

Authors
  1. G. Ghiara
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Piccardo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Campodonico
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. M. Carnasciali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. Ghiara.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ghiara, G., Piccardo, P., Campodonico, S. et al. Microstructural Features in Corroded Celtic Iron Age Sword Blades. JOM 66, 793–801 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-014-0880-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-014-0880-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation