Application of Mutually Complimentary Analytical Methods to Investigating the Composition of Organic Residues of Ancient Amphorae from Panticapaeum

Abstract

The chemical composition of the residues in seven ancient amphorae (IV century B.C.E.) discovered during excavations on the top of Mithridates mountain (Crimea) was investigated using a complex of complementary analytical methods, namely, FTIR spectrometry, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Basing on the compounds identification, it was found that the residue contains the resin of Pinaceae family trees obtained by the dry distillation of wood. Based on the authors’ results and published data, it was suggested that amphorae were used for wine storage and transportation.