Investigations of the relics and altar materials relating to the apostles St James and St Philip at the Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli in Rome

Abstract Two types of materials were sampled as part an investigation the relics Holy Catholic Church Apostles St Philip and James in Basilica dei Santi Apostoli Rome: bone- mummy-materials architectural samples. The analyses encompassed radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence gas liquid chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection, X-Ray fluorescence, diffraction, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. results show that samples subjected to a number conservational exhibition-related treatments. alleged femoral bone was dated between AD 214 340 (2σ confidence), which shows this cannot be James. An encrustation found canal reliquary high altar construction showed presence heavily oxidized rapeseed oil, 267 539 ceramic shard also TL-dated 314–746 confidence). two latter dates are consistent translation following erection church at time Pope Pelagius I 556–561.