Radiogenic isotopes in the provenance determination of raw materials: A case of lead and glass recycling at Sagalassos (SW Turkey)

The concept of recycling as a part of the process of artefact production is well known. It is shown here that the isotopic composition of architectural lead at ancient Sagalassos (SW Turkey) reflects a thorough mixing of resources by progressive lead recycling throughout the history of the building of the city. The lead processed at Sagalassos was derived from at least two distinct sources, but the exact provenance of the raw material cannot be clearly determined. Secondary production (reworking) of glass from imperial to early Byzantine times has also been demonstrated at the ancient city, in that the Sr isotope composition of the glass and the mixing lines indicate the production of “recycled” glass from imported chunks. A Levantine origin is suggested for the blue chunks and an Egyptian origin for the HIMT chunks.

Publication year:2009

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