Microstructural Investigation of Some Bronze Artifacts Discovered in a Dacian Site Using Non-Destructive Methods

Dacian civilization flourished on the actual territory of Romania during Late Iron Age and had its peak from first century BC to AD. They intensive relations with Hellenistic Roman civilizations. Therefore, it is difficult evaluate origin some widely spread artifacts discovered in archeological sites. The present research focused two bronze (a coin a mirror fragment) found Alun-Piatra Rosie site silver Ardeu site. Artifacts were investigated nondestructive methods such as SEM-EDX for microstructural elemental characterization, crystalline phases using XRD. Bronze proves be an Istrian issue having composition 75.0% Cu, 20.8% Sn, 4.1% Pb, which corresponds structure Cu grains mixed Cu5.6Sn grains. fragment has 52.3% 47.7% containing Cu6Sn5 Cu41Sn11. It smooth surface that was AFM microscopy, evidences Ra roughness 51 nm patina 33.7 clean metal surface, proving high quality original luster artifact. identified Radulesti–Hunedoara type meaning produced local metallurgic workshops. 63.1% Ag, 25.3% 7.8% small traces P Fe, Ag Ag3Sn Silver coins show Dacians uses Sn alloying element their typical or content no more than 25% Sn. unusual might result al charge elaboration several pieces raw material extra addition melting process. This facilitates polishing properties active very low even after 2000 years ground resting adherent oxides patina.