Composition of trace residues from the contents of 11th–12th century sphero-conical vessels from Jerusalem
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Level 5 by design analogy (laboratory bench analysis of archaeological material; non-clinical).
OpenAlex W4224865639 · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0267350
What was done
Analyzed trace residues from the internal surfaces of four thick-walled, sphero-conical ceramic vessel sherds excavated from an 11th–12th century destruction layer in the Armenian Gardens of Jerusalem. The residue was characterized using light microscopy, biochemical testing, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS).
What was found
Identified fatty acids and notable levels of mercury, sulfur, aluminum, potassium, magnesium, nitrates, and phosphorus (specific numerical concentrations were not reported in the abstract). Residue profiles differed across the four vessels: one indicated oils, a second indicated scented or medicinal contents, a third probably contained medicinal material, and an undecorated stoneware vessel contained residues consistent with chemical storage or ingredients for an explosive device.
Why it matters
Provides direct chemical evidence supporting diverse functional roles for medieval sphero-conical vessels in Jerusalem, spanning luxury oils, pharmacology, and potential pyrotechnic or military uses.
Limits
The sample size is limited to four sherds from a single excavation context. The abstract does not report quantitative concentration values. Interpretations of vessel function, particularly as an explosive grenade, are inferential based on chemical residues.
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