Spectroscopy and Archaeology: An Inside Look at Ancient Egyptian History
Spectroscopy magazine is pleased to welcome you to the “Spectroscopy and Archaeology: An Inside Look at Ancient Egyptian History” landing page, one of two landing pages in our “Spectroscopy and Archaeology” content series!
Below we have four articles that highlight recent spectroscopic studies undertaken to help us understand Ancient Egypt better.
Click on a story below to begin your journey!
Featured Q & A
Non-Invasive Methods for Studying Papyrus from Ancient Egypt
In this recent Q & A, Arzak Mohamed from Macquarie University in Australia breaks down how she uses spectroscopy to analyze ancient manuscripts.
Click here to access this Q & A:
https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/non-invasive-methods-for-studying-papyrus-from-ancient-egypt
Featured Article
Ancient History Revealed Using Laser Light: Unraveling the Secrets of Roman Egyptian Blue
A study published in Scientific Reports has given intricate details into the production and composition of Roman Egyptian blue pigment, which originated in Egypt. Using advanced Raman microspectroscopy, researchers explored pigment balls and murals from ancient Swiss cities, uncovering evidence of raw material provenance, crystal lattice disorder, and the formation of a copper-bearing green glass phase, revealing the sophisticated techniques employed by Roman artisans.
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Recent Spectroscopic Studies in Ancient Egyptian Archaeology
PXRF Analysis Reveals Unique Deterioration in Ancient Pottery
In a recent study, researchers used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis to determine how pottery vessels uncovered at Saqqara degraded over thousands of years.
Click here to read about this study:
Using Spectroscopy to Characterize Gems in Ancient Egyptian Mines
In a recent study published in the journal AIP Advances, researchers used molecular and elemental spectroscopic techniques, such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, to characterize silicate gems found in ancient Egyptian mines.
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Advancing Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for Personalized Medicine
February 12th 2025Researchers have developed a novel approach to improve the accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS or NIR) in quantifying highly porous, patient-specific drug formulations. By combining machine learning with advanced Raman imaging, the study enhances the precision of non-destructive pharmaceutical analysis, paving the way for better personalized medicine.
New Method for Detecting Fentanyl in Human Nails Using ATR FT-IR and Machine Learning
February 11th 2025Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human nails can serve as a reliable biological matrix for detecting fentanyl use. By combining attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy with machine learning, the study achieved over 80% accuracy in distinguishing fentanyl users from non-users. These findings highlight a promising, noninvasive method for toxicological and forensic analysis.
