An integrated method for ceramic characterization: A case study from the newly excavated Kastrouli site (Late Helladic).

Selected ceramics from the Late Mycenean (Helladic) settlement of Kastrouli central Greece have been analysed by an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) equipped with four wavelength-dispersive spectrometers and one energy-dispersive spectrometer. The aim to unravel the “ceramo-genetic” processes was possible by integrating optical microscopy, and EPMA (with SEM capabilities) following a specific protocol narrowing down to μm scale. A detailed characterization of eight diagnostic sherds for their texture and major element chemistry is made, including collection X-ray maps for different elements showing the zonation of minerals in relation to the adjacent matrix. Also, the temperature range was estimated – where possible – based on the observed mineral assemblage, texture and chemistry. The most favorable firing temperature maxima for our samples are 900–1000 °C.