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.

Click here to read this article:

https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ancient-history-revealed-using-laser-light-unraveling-the-secrets-of-roman-egyptian-blue

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:

https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pxrf-analysis-reveals-unique-deterioration-in-ancient-pottery

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.

Click here to read about this study:

https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-spectroscopy-to-characterize-gems-in-ancient-egyptian-mines