ON THE STUDY OF THE ORGANIC CONTENT OF EARLY EMPIRE CERAMICS FROM BEJA’S CASTLE - A PRELIMINARY REPORT

Abstract

This manuscript describes the analysis of the organic contents of Early Empire ceramics from Beja’s Castle. A combination of extraction procedures was used in order to extract the highest number of compounds from the studied ceramics. Pinaceae resin biomarkers were identified in all the ceramics, confirming the widely use of these resins by the Romans. Both animal and plant steroids were identified in the samples, and Δ5-avenasterol, found in all the samples, is of particular significance, as it can be used as a marker for oil seed crops and olive oil.