Abstract
The article discusses the results of X-ray analysis of the metal of 30 finger rings found during the 2013–2021 excavations at the first-centuries AD Luchistoe-2 necropolis (Southern Crimea). Apart from three silver and one pure copper ring, all the rest (87%) were made of zinccontaining alloys. Such a high percentage of the use of brass is also typical for brooches among decorations and clothing accessories of the first centuries AD in the barbaric burial grounds of Crimea. Lead-tin solder was used to attach inserts in some types of brass rings. In Roman times, brass, or orichalcum, due to its golden color and resistance to corrosion, was perceived as a material of relatively high value, which may have been attributed sacred significance. In Rome and in the provinces, there was a certain kind of monopoly on the production and use of brass mainly for state needs – minting coins and making military ammunition. Brass could have come to Crimea from the Roman provinces.
Keywords
Mountain Crimea, Luchistoye-2 Necropolis, finger rings of the first centuries AD, brass, natural science methods in archaeology, XRF.
Tatiana N. Smekalova, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Aleksandr V. Lysenko, Institute of Archeology of Crimea RAS, Simferopol, Russia, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Anna V. Antipenko, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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