Physico-chemical characterization of the Acqualadrone rostrum

The archaeological discovery of the Acqualadrone rostrum (an offensive naval weaponmounted on the prow at the waterline), off the Italian coast near Messina in 2008, has led tothe need for scientific research in order to plan the conservation treatment of this artefact. Thediscovery is exceptional because of the presence of a wooden section from the original ship.This paper describes the physico-chemical characterization of a metallic and two woodensamples by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy, inductively coupledplasma – mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C {1H} crosspolarizationmagic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,gas chromatography – mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The results reveal the use ofleaded bronze (Cu, 70%; Pb, 20%; Sn, 10%) in the manufacturing process of the alloy and theuse of lead whose isotopic composition is referable to either Spanish or Cypriot mines. Theanalysis of the results relating to the wooden samples indicates their different state of preservationand, at least in some places, the spreading of caulking on the wood, probably usinga vegetable resin.