Study of metal objects of Lombardian origin using X-Ray Fluorescence analysis

Abstract

Introduction: 1.1.- Preface and aims - The Museo dell’Alto Medioevo of Rome opened its gates in 1967 as part of the complex of the Museo de la Cività, becoming since then home to remarkable pieces from the central part of Italy, from the time period comprised between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD and around 1000 AD. Its main collection comprises an impressive amount of metal pieces, ceramics and stone decorations from late antiquity Rome to Carolingian era, and even a treasure from the Copts. The most impressive of all these treasures might be the Room of the opus sectile of Porta Marina from Ostia, made with coloured marble pieces embedded into the floor and the walls, creating geometric, vegetal and animal decorative motifs. Amongst all the objects of the collection, those from the necropolis of Nocera Umbra and Castel Trosino are specially relevant because of their high artistic value, many of them made in precious metals like gold and silver. These two are some of the largest early medieval necropolises in central Italy from Lombardian origin. Lombardian domination in Italy begins in the VI Century, around the year 568 AD, and ends in the year 774 AD with the fall of the Lombardian Kingdom by the hand of the Franks, led by Charlemagne. Ever since their discovery at the start of the 20th century, there have been many studies about these objects and the necropolises themselves, specially from to ‘90s up to today.