Corrosion study of glass mosaic tesserae at the archaeological site of Stobi, North Macedonia

Abstract

The present MSc thesis focuses on the historical and material analytical investigation of 4th century CE glass tesserae found at the archaeological site of Stobi, North Macedonia. The purpose of this study is to aid in further understanding the manufacturing process used to create the glass tesserae found between the 1st and 4th century CE at the archaeological site of Stobi. This will require a historical investigation into the contextual evidence of glass use found at the archaeological site throughout the region of Macedonia Secunda during the 1st to 4th century CE. The analytical investigation involves the use of portable X-ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy – Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy, and Reflected Light Microscopy to characterize and identify the raw materials used in the production of these tesserae and the degradation products of the glass tesserae. The use of these analytical techniques chosen for these glass tesserae can aid in further understanding of the historical trade that took place at the ancient city of Stobi.