Papers by Jorge de Juan Ares
Archaeometry, 2024
Glass beads from two Islamic archaeological sites in the Tagus valley in central Spain were selec... more Glass beads from two Islamic archaeological sites in the Tagus valley in central Spain were selected and analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and a subset of samples (n = 6) was analysed for Pb isotopes by multicollector thermal ionization mass spectrometry (MC-TIMS). The analytical and isotopic data of the beads from Ciudad de Vascos (Toledo) and Albalat (Cáceres) demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that glass beads were produced in the Iberian Peninsula during the Islamic period using local Pb-silica and soda-rich plant-ash glass. The bead workshops in al-Andalus were evidently part of an efficient system of glass collection and recycling, and used only relatively simple bead-making techniques such as winding and folding. At present it is unclear to what extent the Islamic bead-makers in the Iberian Peninsula were involved in the international trade in glass beads or whether their products were mainly destined for a regional market. Despite local production, some samples show compositional and typological features that suggest the import of finished glass beads, perhaps from Central Asia.
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Mélanges de l’École française de Rome - Moyen Âge (MEFRM), 135-2, p. 261-271., 2023
The study of glass assemblages found in archaeological contexts dating back to the early centurie... more The study of glass assemblages found in archaeological contexts dating back to the early centuries of al-Andalus, coupled with analytical research and written sources, has emerged as a valuable resource for analysing these transformations. In eighth and early ninth centuries glassmakers were forced to recycle late antique materials due to the end of raw glass imports from the East but also, they developed new glassmaking methods using locally available resources. The import of eastern finished vessels served as prototypes of the new shapes and decorations to the vessels produced in the workshops of al-Andalus. These changes resulted in the long term in the configuration of clearly "Islamised" wares, in a different system of glass production and distribution from that which prevailed from antiquity to the Visigothic period.
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ChemPlusChem, Jun 12, 2022
Analytical data of Roman and early Islamic glass established several primary glass production gro... more Analytical data of Roman and early Islamic glass established several primary glass production groups linked to glassmaking centres in the Levant and in Egypt. In contrast, the activities of secondary glass workshops are largely invisible in the compositional fingerprint of first millennium glass. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of 261 glass finds from the Visigothic settlement of Tolmo de Minateda (Spain) revealed a site-specific contamination pattern due to secondary glass processing and recycling, namely the enrichment of the glass batch by a unique combination of rare alkali elements (Li, K, Rb, Cs). With a median of 21 ppm, Li is particularly distinctive. Elevated lithium contents (Li > 30 ppm) are also one of the characteristic features of Iberian plant ash glass from the Islamic period. The earliest known examples of this type of glass were found among the ninth-century remains from Tolmo.
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12th international Congress on Medieval & Modern period Mediterranean Ceramics, 2018
Large containers are quite common in the later Almoravid context (first half of the 12 th century... more Large containers are quite common in the later Almoravid context (first half of the 12 th century A.D.) in the fortified site of Albalat, Extremadura, Spain. They did not have complex decorations, such as those that would become very successful in later productions (stamped and glazed techniques combined with a covering and dense decoration). However, the recent discovery of a well-dated jar has allowed us to record the existence of an model previously unknown from the site: it seems to be as a primitive precedent of the later Almohad jars.
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ANNALES du 21e CONGRÈS de l’ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE pour l’HISTOIRE du VERRE (İstanbul, 03-07 Septembre 2018), 2021
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ACTAS DEL VI CONGRESO DE ARQUEOLOGÍA MEDIEVAL (España-Portugal) Alicante, noviembre. 2019 Páginas 381-386, 2021
El vidrio es un material poco estudiado en el ámbito de la arqueología ibérica medieval. Los reci... more El vidrio es un material poco estudiado en el ámbito de la arqueología ibérica medieval. Los recientes avances en la investigación
del vidrio y su composición química permiten identificar distintos grupos, el origen de sus materias primas y sus variaciones a
lo largo del tiempo. Por tanto la investigación analítica del vidrio ha abierto una fructífera vía de investigación para examinar la evolución
de las relaciones comerciales a larga distancia, las innovaciones tecnológicas y las transferencias existentes entre diferentes contextos
culturales y territorios distantes a lo largo de la Edad Media.
El objetivo de esta contribución es sintetizar los resultados de las investigaciones que hemos realizado sobre la composición de muestras
de vidrio de la Península Ibérica bien contextualizadas arqueológicamente datadas entre los siglos IV y XII para proporcionar un estado
de la cuestión sobre la cronología y el origen de los diferentes grupos de vidrio. Con ello ponemos de manifiesto el potencial de la
arqueometría del vidrio para la generación de conocimiento histórico.
---
Studies of glass have thus opened up a fruitful avenue to explore the evolution of long-distance trade relations, technological innovations and transfers between different cultural contexts and distant territories throughout the Middle Ages. The objective of the present contribution is to summarise the results of the research conducted on the composition of archeologically well contextualized glass assemblages from the Iberian Peninsula dating to the fourth to the twelfth century CE to provide the current state of research on the chronology and origin of different glass groups.
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Heritage Science, 2021
Recent archaeological excavations carried out in the western suburbs of Cordoba (Spain) brought t... more Recent archaeological excavations carried out in the western suburbs of Cordoba (Spain) brought to light numerous fragments of archaeological glass from the caliphal period (929-1031 CE). The typological and compositional analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of 66 fragments enabled the identification of different types of base glass and glass working techniques, identifying local productions, imports and decorative imitations of eastern models. The studied fragments include Mesopotamian, Levantine, Egyptian and possibly Sicilian soda-rich plant ash glass categories, and various glass-decorating techniques such as mould-blowing, pressing , cutting, staining or gilding. The systematic comparison of the trace element patterns of several relief-cut objects identified both imported ware and a locally manufactured sample, whereas all mould-blown pieces were made from locally sourced raw materials. Iberian glassworkers seem to have preferred mould-blowing, probably because of the distinct working properties of locally available high lead glass. The results thus confirm the continuous long-distance exchange of vitreous material, as well as the existence of multiple glassmaking centres in the Iberian Peninsula, illustrating a link between secondary glass working techniques and chemical composition. Furthermore, the identification of several fragments belonging to the same object based on chemical composition allowed us to reconstruct entire vessels and thereby expand the repertoire of known typologies circulating in Umayyad Spain.
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Las artes del islam II: Vidrios, marfiles, metales, cerámica y tejidos. Ed. S. Gomez, Colección de Estudios Árabo-Islámicos de Almonaster La Real. ISBN: 978-84-472-3031-0, 2020
Resumen: El vidrio de al-Andalus ha recibido poco interés por parte de la investigación
especiali... more Resumen: El vidrio de al-Andalus ha recibido poco interés por parte de la investigación
especializada. Sin embargo, recientes avances han puesto de manifiesto su interés
no solo desde un punto de vista meramente formal sino también como un medio auxiliar
para conocer diversos aspectos de la sociedad andalusí.
En este trabajo se recopilan de manera muy sintética lo que sabemos en la actualidad
sobre el vidrio en al-Andalus. Partiendo de una breve introducción sobre la producción
y comercialización del vidrio en al-Andalus a partir de las investigaciones arqueométricas,
se bosqueja la evolución de sus formas y decoraciones a lo largo de la historia de
al-Andalus. Con ello tratamos de poner de relieve las grandes posibilidades que ofrece
su estudio multidisciplinar aunando la información de las fuentes escritas, la arqueología,
la tipológica y la composición química del vidrio. Una investigación que aún se
encuentra en un estado incipiente pero que ya se está constituyendo como una herramienta
muy relevante para el estudio de la evolución y difusión de las modas estéticas,
la tecnología, mecanismos de producción y el comercio en la historia de al-Andalus.
Palabras clave: Vidrio, Arqueometría, Tipología, al-Andalus, Arte Islámico.
Abstract: Glass from al-Andalus has received little attention from specialized research.
Recent progress has shown its interest not only from a formal perspective, but
also as an auxiliary source in understanding various aspects of Andalusian society. In
this paper, we have compiled in a very synthetic way what we know so far about glass
in al-Andalus. Starting with a brief introduction on the production and commercialisation
of glass in al-Andalus based on archaeometric research, we outline the evolution
of its forms and decorations throughout the history of al-Andalus. The aim is to
highlight the great potential offered by a multidisciplinary approach combining information
from written sources, archaeology, typology, and the chemical composition of
glass. The research on glass in al-Andalus is its infancy but is already becoming a relevant
tool for studying the development and diffusion of aesthetic trends, technologies,
mechanisms of production and trade in the history of al-Andalus.
Keywords: Glass, Archaeometry, Typology, al-Andalus, Islamic Art.
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Journal of Glass Studies, 2020
Among the finds from Šaqunda is a stained glass (luster) fragment (MIR 051) exhibiting compositio... more Among the finds from Šaqunda is a stained glass (luster) fragment (MIR 051) exhibiting compositional features similar to those of the compositional group Egypt 2, dated from the last quarter of the eighth century to the second half of the ninth century C.E.4 It has an exceptionally low alumina concentration (Al2O3 < 1.5%), a relatively low strontium to lime ratio, and elevated titanium and zirconium contents. The decoration consists of silver staining that was applied to the surface and fired so that the silver pigment is integrated into the glass matrix.
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Journal of Glass Studies, 2020
The glass finds recovered from the excavations of the old suburb of Šaqunda in Cordoba are precis... more The glass finds recovered from the excavations of the old suburb of Šaqunda in Cordoba are precisely dated from the mid-eighth century to 818 C.E.The data revealed extensive recycling of natron-type glass and the importation of a few finished objects, including Islamic natron glasses from Egypt (Egypt 1 and 2) and Mesopotamian plant-ash glasses.
Among the finds from Šaqunda is a stained glass (luster) fragment exhibiting compositional features similar to those of the compositional group Egypt 2. It is the earliest well-dated example of a silver-stained glass object in al-Andalus. It is decorated with vegetal motifs and an Arabic inscription in austere Kufic. The earlier examples of Islamic stained glasses, dating to the eighth and ninth centuries are also natron glasses of the primary glass group Egypt 2. The stained glass fragment from Šaqunda is one of the earliest well-dated examples, not only in al-Andalus but throughout the Islamic world. It is also one of the earliest epigraphic examples in al-Andalus on a non-numismatic support.
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PNAS, 2020
This study investigates glass finds from the Iberian Peninsula as a proxy for identifying the mec... more This study investigates glass finds from the Iberian Peninsula as a proxy for identifying the mechanisms underlying technological transformations and innovation in the wake of the Arab conquest in the seventh and eighth centuries CE. High-resolution laser abla-tion inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry data combined with lead isotope analyses of a precisely dated (mid-eighth century to 818 CE) glass assemblage from the Rabad ofŠaqunda in Cordoba, capital of Umayyad Spain, enabled us to trace the origins of an Iberian glassmaking industry and to unambiguously link it to the exploitation of local raw materials. The analytical data reveal increased recycling, some isolated imports of Islamic plant ash glasses from Mesopotamia, and, most notably, the development of a new type of glassmaking technology that resorted to the use of lead slag from silver and lead mining and processing in the region around Cordoba. The production of this type of lead glass fromŠaqunda was short-lived and was subsequently refined by introducing additional fluxing agents. The technological innovation of Islamic glass-making in Spain evidently drew inspiration from adjacent high-temperature technologies. The revival of glass and the development of a local glassmaking tradition was indirectly related to the wider processes of Islamization, such as the introduction of glazed ceramics that are compositionally related to the lead glasses from Saqunda. lead glass | lead isotopes | technological innovation | recycling
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Minerals, 2020
Excavations at the Roman villa of Noheda (Spain) revealed the remains of an exceptionally elabora... more Excavations at the Roman villa of Noheda (Spain) revealed the remains of an exceptionally elaborate fourth-century floor mosaic that contains a surprisingly large number of glass tesserae, representing a broad spectrum of colors. This paper presents the results of the chemical (LA-ICP-MS) and microstructural analyses (SEM-EDS, XRPD) of 420 glass tesserae from these mosaics. The high number of data allowed us to establish the compositional variability and to elucidate questions of supply in relation to a large-scale artistic campaign. The tesserae from Noheda were almost exclusively made from recycled mixed Roman Mn and Sb base glass, thus demonstrating that recycling of Roman base glasses was common practice in the fourth century, occurring on a near industrial scale. It also suggests that the workshops specializing in the production of mosaic tesserae might have been in the western Mediterranean. A limited number of coloring and opacifying additives (Mn, Co, Cu, Sb, Pb) were identified, which resulted in a wide range of hues. These were differentially associated with various trace elements, which implies the use of different raw materials. A subset of red, green, and orange tesserae reflect distinct base glass characteristics as well as coloring technologies that point to an Egyptian provenance.
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Journal of Archaeological Science, 2019
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of glass compositions from Visigothic Spain ... more This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of glass compositions from Visigothic Spain using high
resolution laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Major, minor and trace
element patterns of 169 well-dated samples from three rural Iberian sites (Congosto, Gózquez and El Pelícano)
have brought to light major chronological developments in the production, circulation and use of glass between
the fifth and the eighth century CE. The data identify four distinct compositional groups of Egyptian and
Levantine origin. Egyptian Foy 2.1, Foy 2.1 high Fe and so-called Magby alongside Apollonia-type Levantine I
were the main glass types of the Visigothic period. Due to the tight dating of the majority of the samples, we were
able to reveal fundamental changes in the geographical scope of glass supplies to the Iberian Peninsula, and to
refine the chronological range of the known primary production groups. The glass group commonly known as
série 2.1 or Foy 2.1 started being produced already during the second half of the fifth century. The appearance of
Foy 2.1 high Fe can likewise be moved forward to the first half of the sixth century. A plant-ash group referred to
as Magby was introduced around the middle of the sixth century. Egypt was undeniably the main supplier of raw
glasses to the Iberian Peninsula up to the mid-sixth century CE, after which the Levantine I group became the
prime glass type among the analysed assemblages. In the final stages of the Visigothic Kingdom and the early
years of Islamic dominion, there is a noticeable drop in the absolute quantity of glass available, together with an
increase in recycling. The implications of these transformations in the supply of glass for the organisation of Mediterranean trade are discussed.
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Archaeometry, 2019
Portus Ilicitanus (Picola, Alicante) was the main sea harbour of the Roman Colonia Iulia Ilici Au... more Portus Ilicitanus (Picola, Alicante) was the main sea harbour of the Roman Colonia Iulia Ilici Augusta and as such played a crucial role in the supply of fundamental commodities to the Iberian Peninsula. Excavations yielded large quantities of glass in fourth‐ and early fifth‐century contexts. Elemental analysis of 60 samples by laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) confirmed that the glasses were imported from the Eastern Mediterranean. A majority of the glasses correspond to the HIMTa primary production group, which originates from Egypt. The statistical evaluation of published data of 589 HIMT glasses further revealed differential distribution patterns of the HIMTa and HIMTb subtypes between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, suggesting chronological trends that are linked to wider geopolitical changes. This demonstrates the need for systematic large‐scale approaches to identify supply patterns and possible factors underlying geographical differences and/or chronological developments.
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TAWA ‘IF. Historia y Arqueología de los reinos taifas, 2018
The study of glass in Islamic Spain and especially from the Taifa period (11th c.) has received l... more The study of glass in Islamic Spain and especially from the Taifa period (11th c.) has received little attention from scholars. The present work reviews the main Arab sources that provide insights into the use and significance of glass in the Taifa of Toledo and contrasts the textual sources with the typological and compositional characteristics of
the glasses from Ciudad de Vascos (Navalmoralejo, Toledo) and the Convento de Santa Fe in Toledo. The archaeological remains clearly complement the written testimonies, both confirm that glass was used for sumptuous architectural decorations of Toledo's palaces, while it also played a central role in medical practices. Archaeometric data indicate the coexistence of different compositional recipes in the manufacture of glass at this time. It seems that it was during the Taifa period that a local production of glass made from soda-rich plant ash began in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Anejos de NAILOSNº. 4, 2018. Págs 111-141., 2018
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Lucentum, 2018
This paper discusses the LA-ICP-MS analysis of two well dated glass objects from Cabezo Pardo (Al... more This paper discusses the LA-ICP-MS analysis of two well dated glass objects from Cabezo Pardo (Alicante), the first ones to be published in the Iberian Peninsula that date to the early Emiral period. The data characterise the fragments as soda lime silica glasses made using natron as flux. Compositionally, they correspond to two of the most widespread late antique primary glass production groups: HIMT and Foy 2. The first sample, a glass lamp, may be the result of the continuous use of an ancient artefact, perhaps related to the Mozarabic and/or Muladí population that inhabited the site. The second object, possibly a bottle, was made from recycled glass. Its chemical signature is consistent with the so-called Foy-2.2 group, a scarce composition that has previously been documented in France and Italy. It can date between the second half of the 7th century and the end of the 8th century CE.
--------------------
Se presentan por primera vez para la Península Ibérica los resultados del análisis químico de dos objetos de vidrio de cronología emiral temprana procedentes del yacimiento de Cabezo Pardo (San Isidro, Alicante). El examen por LA-ICP-MS de su composición indica que se trata de vidrios sódico-cálcicos fabricados con natrón como fun-dente. Sus características permiten encuadrarlos en dos de los grupos más difundidos en la antigüedad tardía: HIMT y Foy 2. El primer caso, una lámpara, podría ser resul-tado de una perduración del uso de un objeto antiguo a lo largo del tiempo tal vez relacionado con las poblaciones mozárabes y/o muladíes que habitaron el yacimiento. El segundo objeto, posiblemente una botella, fue elaborado a partir de vidrio reciclado. Sus características permiten encuadrarlo dentro del subgrupo Foy 2.2. Una compo-sición poco frecuente también documentada en Francia e Italia cuya cronología suele situarse entre la segunda mitad del siglo VII y finales del siglo VIII d.C.
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Journal of Archaeological Sciences: Reports, 2018
The castle of Gauzón on the north coast of Spain controlled access to the Avilés estuary and was ... more The castle of Gauzón on the north coast of Spain controlled access to the Avilés estuary and was intimately linked to the Asturian monarchy. With the intention of studying the medieval glass trade networks in the kingdom of Asturias and León, the chemical composition of twenty-four glass samples from recent excavations at the castle were determined by LA-ICP-MS. The analytical results identified two distinct types of soda-rich plant ash glasses, one from the eastern Mediterranean, and the other from Mesopotamia. Similarly, most of the decorations correspond to luxury Islamic relief-cut glasses that are known from the eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamia. The decorative features and compositional characteristics of the glass samples from Gauzón thus reveal close commercial links between the Christian kingdoms of Asturias and León on the Atlantic coast and the Islamic world, with al-Andalus, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Levant.
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One hundred and forty-one glass fragments from medieval Ciudad de Vascos (Toledo, Spain) were ana... more One hundred and forty-one glass fragments from medieval Ciudad de Vascos (Toledo, Spain) were analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The glasses fall into three types according to the fluxing agents used: mineral natron, soda-rich plant ash, and a combination of soda ash and lead. The natron glasses can be assigned to various established primary production groups of eastern Mediterranean provenance. Different types of plant ash glasses indicate differences in the silica source as well as the plant ash component, reflecting changing supply mechanisms. While the earlier plant ash groups can be related to Islamic glasses from the Near East, both in terms of typol-ogy and composition, the chemical signature of the later samples appear to be specific to glass from the Iberian Peninsula. This has important implications for our understanding of the emerging glass industry in Spain and the distribution patterns of glass groups and raw materials. The plant ash that was used for the Vascos glasses is rich in soda with low levels of potash, similar to ash produced in the eastern Mediterranean. It could therefore be possible that Levantine plant ash was imported and used in Islamic period glass workshops in Spain. Unlike central and northern Europe where an independent glass industry based on potassium-rich wood ash developed during the Carolingian period, the prevalence of soda ash and soda ash lead glass on the Iberian Peninsula indicates its commercial and technological interconnection with the Islamic east. Our study thus traces several stages leading to the development of a specifically Spanish primary glassmaking industry.
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Papers by Jorge de Juan Ares
del vidrio y su composición química permiten identificar distintos grupos, el origen de sus materias primas y sus variaciones a
lo largo del tiempo. Por tanto la investigación analítica del vidrio ha abierto una fructífera vía de investigación para examinar la evolución
de las relaciones comerciales a larga distancia, las innovaciones tecnológicas y las transferencias existentes entre diferentes contextos
culturales y territorios distantes a lo largo de la Edad Media.
El objetivo de esta contribución es sintetizar los resultados de las investigaciones que hemos realizado sobre la composición de muestras
de vidrio de la Península Ibérica bien contextualizadas arqueológicamente datadas entre los siglos IV y XII para proporcionar un estado
de la cuestión sobre la cronología y el origen de los diferentes grupos de vidrio. Con ello ponemos de manifiesto el potencial de la
arqueometría del vidrio para la generación de conocimiento histórico.
---
Studies of glass have thus opened up a fruitful avenue to explore the evolution of long-distance trade relations, technological innovations and transfers between different cultural contexts and distant territories throughout the Middle Ages. The objective of the present contribution is to summarise the results of the research conducted on the composition of archeologically well contextualized glass assemblages from the Iberian Peninsula dating to the fourth to the twelfth century CE to provide the current state of research on the chronology and origin of different glass groups.
especializada. Sin embargo, recientes avances han puesto de manifiesto su interés
no solo desde un punto de vista meramente formal sino también como un medio auxiliar
para conocer diversos aspectos de la sociedad andalusí.
En este trabajo se recopilan de manera muy sintética lo que sabemos en la actualidad
sobre el vidrio en al-Andalus. Partiendo de una breve introducción sobre la producción
y comercialización del vidrio en al-Andalus a partir de las investigaciones arqueométricas,
se bosqueja la evolución de sus formas y decoraciones a lo largo de la historia de
al-Andalus. Con ello tratamos de poner de relieve las grandes posibilidades que ofrece
su estudio multidisciplinar aunando la información de las fuentes escritas, la arqueología,
la tipológica y la composición química del vidrio. Una investigación que aún se
encuentra en un estado incipiente pero que ya se está constituyendo como una herramienta
muy relevante para el estudio de la evolución y difusión de las modas estéticas,
la tecnología, mecanismos de producción y el comercio en la historia de al-Andalus.
Palabras clave: Vidrio, Arqueometría, Tipología, al-Andalus, Arte Islámico.
Abstract: Glass from al-Andalus has received little attention from specialized research.
Recent progress has shown its interest not only from a formal perspective, but
also as an auxiliary source in understanding various aspects of Andalusian society. In
this paper, we have compiled in a very synthetic way what we know so far about glass
in al-Andalus. Starting with a brief introduction on the production and commercialisation
of glass in al-Andalus based on archaeometric research, we outline the evolution
of its forms and decorations throughout the history of al-Andalus. The aim is to
highlight the great potential offered by a multidisciplinary approach combining information
from written sources, archaeology, typology, and the chemical composition of
glass. The research on glass in al-Andalus is its infancy but is already becoming a relevant
tool for studying the development and diffusion of aesthetic trends, technologies,
mechanisms of production and trade in the history of al-Andalus.
Keywords: Glass, Archaeometry, Typology, al-Andalus, Islamic Art.
Among the finds from Šaqunda is a stained glass (luster) fragment exhibiting compositional features similar to those of the compositional group Egypt 2. It is the earliest well-dated example of a silver-stained glass object in al-Andalus. It is decorated with vegetal motifs and an Arabic inscription in austere Kufic. The earlier examples of Islamic stained glasses, dating to the eighth and ninth centuries are also natron glasses of the primary glass group Egypt 2. The stained glass fragment from Šaqunda is one of the earliest well-dated examples, not only in al-Andalus but throughout the Islamic world. It is also one of the earliest epigraphic examples in al-Andalus on a non-numismatic support.
resolution laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Major, minor and trace
element patterns of 169 well-dated samples from three rural Iberian sites (Congosto, Gózquez and El Pelícano)
have brought to light major chronological developments in the production, circulation and use of glass between
the fifth and the eighth century CE. The data identify four distinct compositional groups of Egyptian and
Levantine origin. Egyptian Foy 2.1, Foy 2.1 high Fe and so-called Magby alongside Apollonia-type Levantine I
were the main glass types of the Visigothic period. Due to the tight dating of the majority of the samples, we were
able to reveal fundamental changes in the geographical scope of glass supplies to the Iberian Peninsula, and to
refine the chronological range of the known primary production groups. The glass group commonly known as
série 2.1 or Foy 2.1 started being produced already during the second half of the fifth century. The appearance of
Foy 2.1 high Fe can likewise be moved forward to the first half of the sixth century. A plant-ash group referred to
as Magby was introduced around the middle of the sixth century. Egypt was undeniably the main supplier of raw
glasses to the Iberian Peninsula up to the mid-sixth century CE, after which the Levantine I group became the
prime glass type among the analysed assemblages. In the final stages of the Visigothic Kingdom and the early
years of Islamic dominion, there is a noticeable drop in the absolute quantity of glass available, together with an
increase in recycling. The implications of these transformations in the supply of glass for the organisation of Mediterranean trade are discussed.
the glasses from Ciudad de Vascos (Navalmoralejo, Toledo) and the Convento de Santa Fe in Toledo. The archaeological remains clearly complement the written testimonies, both confirm that glass was used for sumptuous architectural decorations of Toledo's palaces, while it also played a central role in medical practices. Archaeometric data indicate the coexistence of different compositional recipes in the manufacture of glass at this time. It seems that it was during the Taifa period that a local production of glass made from soda-rich plant ash began in the Iberian Peninsula.
--------------------
Se presentan por primera vez para la Península Ibérica los resultados del análisis químico de dos objetos de vidrio de cronología emiral temprana procedentes del yacimiento de Cabezo Pardo (San Isidro, Alicante). El examen por LA-ICP-MS de su composición indica que se trata de vidrios sódico-cálcicos fabricados con natrón como fun-dente. Sus características permiten encuadrarlos en dos de los grupos más difundidos en la antigüedad tardía: HIMT y Foy 2. El primer caso, una lámpara, podría ser resul-tado de una perduración del uso de un objeto antiguo a lo largo del tiempo tal vez relacionado con las poblaciones mozárabes y/o muladíes que habitaron el yacimiento. El segundo objeto, posiblemente una botella, fue elaborado a partir de vidrio reciclado. Sus características permiten encuadrarlo dentro del subgrupo Foy 2.2. Una compo-sición poco frecuente también documentada en Francia e Italia cuya cronología suele situarse entre la segunda mitad del siglo VII y finales del siglo VIII d.C.
del vidrio y su composición química permiten identificar distintos grupos, el origen de sus materias primas y sus variaciones a
lo largo del tiempo. Por tanto la investigación analítica del vidrio ha abierto una fructífera vía de investigación para examinar la evolución
de las relaciones comerciales a larga distancia, las innovaciones tecnológicas y las transferencias existentes entre diferentes contextos
culturales y territorios distantes a lo largo de la Edad Media.
El objetivo de esta contribución es sintetizar los resultados de las investigaciones que hemos realizado sobre la composición de muestras
de vidrio de la Península Ibérica bien contextualizadas arqueológicamente datadas entre los siglos IV y XII para proporcionar un estado
de la cuestión sobre la cronología y el origen de los diferentes grupos de vidrio. Con ello ponemos de manifiesto el potencial de la
arqueometría del vidrio para la generación de conocimiento histórico.
---
Studies of glass have thus opened up a fruitful avenue to explore the evolution of long-distance trade relations, technological innovations and transfers between different cultural contexts and distant territories throughout the Middle Ages. The objective of the present contribution is to summarise the results of the research conducted on the composition of archeologically well contextualized glass assemblages from the Iberian Peninsula dating to the fourth to the twelfth century CE to provide the current state of research on the chronology and origin of different glass groups.
especializada. Sin embargo, recientes avances han puesto de manifiesto su interés
no solo desde un punto de vista meramente formal sino también como un medio auxiliar
para conocer diversos aspectos de la sociedad andalusí.
En este trabajo se recopilan de manera muy sintética lo que sabemos en la actualidad
sobre el vidrio en al-Andalus. Partiendo de una breve introducción sobre la producción
y comercialización del vidrio en al-Andalus a partir de las investigaciones arqueométricas,
se bosqueja la evolución de sus formas y decoraciones a lo largo de la historia de
al-Andalus. Con ello tratamos de poner de relieve las grandes posibilidades que ofrece
su estudio multidisciplinar aunando la información de las fuentes escritas, la arqueología,
la tipológica y la composición química del vidrio. Una investigación que aún se
encuentra en un estado incipiente pero que ya se está constituyendo como una herramienta
muy relevante para el estudio de la evolución y difusión de las modas estéticas,
la tecnología, mecanismos de producción y el comercio en la historia de al-Andalus.
Palabras clave: Vidrio, Arqueometría, Tipología, al-Andalus, Arte Islámico.
Abstract: Glass from al-Andalus has received little attention from specialized research.
Recent progress has shown its interest not only from a formal perspective, but
also as an auxiliary source in understanding various aspects of Andalusian society. In
this paper, we have compiled in a very synthetic way what we know so far about glass
in al-Andalus. Starting with a brief introduction on the production and commercialisation
of glass in al-Andalus based on archaeometric research, we outline the evolution
of its forms and decorations throughout the history of al-Andalus. The aim is to
highlight the great potential offered by a multidisciplinary approach combining information
from written sources, archaeology, typology, and the chemical composition of
glass. The research on glass in al-Andalus is its infancy but is already becoming a relevant
tool for studying the development and diffusion of aesthetic trends, technologies,
mechanisms of production and trade in the history of al-Andalus.
Keywords: Glass, Archaeometry, Typology, al-Andalus, Islamic Art.
Among the finds from Šaqunda is a stained glass (luster) fragment exhibiting compositional features similar to those of the compositional group Egypt 2. It is the earliest well-dated example of a silver-stained glass object in al-Andalus. It is decorated with vegetal motifs and an Arabic inscription in austere Kufic. The earlier examples of Islamic stained glasses, dating to the eighth and ninth centuries are also natron glasses of the primary glass group Egypt 2. The stained glass fragment from Šaqunda is one of the earliest well-dated examples, not only in al-Andalus but throughout the Islamic world. It is also one of the earliest epigraphic examples in al-Andalus on a non-numismatic support.
resolution laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Major, minor and trace
element patterns of 169 well-dated samples from three rural Iberian sites (Congosto, Gózquez and El Pelícano)
have brought to light major chronological developments in the production, circulation and use of glass between
the fifth and the eighth century CE. The data identify four distinct compositional groups of Egyptian and
Levantine origin. Egyptian Foy 2.1, Foy 2.1 high Fe and so-called Magby alongside Apollonia-type Levantine I
were the main glass types of the Visigothic period. Due to the tight dating of the majority of the samples, we were
able to reveal fundamental changes in the geographical scope of glass supplies to the Iberian Peninsula, and to
refine the chronological range of the known primary production groups. The glass group commonly known as
série 2.1 or Foy 2.1 started being produced already during the second half of the fifth century. The appearance of
Foy 2.1 high Fe can likewise be moved forward to the first half of the sixth century. A plant-ash group referred to
as Magby was introduced around the middle of the sixth century. Egypt was undeniably the main supplier of raw
glasses to the Iberian Peninsula up to the mid-sixth century CE, after which the Levantine I group became the
prime glass type among the analysed assemblages. In the final stages of the Visigothic Kingdom and the early
years of Islamic dominion, there is a noticeable drop in the absolute quantity of glass available, together with an
increase in recycling. The implications of these transformations in the supply of glass for the organisation of Mediterranean trade are discussed.
the glasses from Ciudad de Vascos (Navalmoralejo, Toledo) and the Convento de Santa Fe in Toledo. The archaeological remains clearly complement the written testimonies, both confirm that glass was used for sumptuous architectural decorations of Toledo's palaces, while it also played a central role in medical practices. Archaeometric data indicate the coexistence of different compositional recipes in the manufacture of glass at this time. It seems that it was during the Taifa period that a local production of glass made from soda-rich plant ash began in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Se presentan por primera vez para la Península Ibérica los resultados del análisis químico de dos objetos de vidrio de cronología emiral temprana procedentes del yacimiento de Cabezo Pardo (San Isidro, Alicante). El examen por LA-ICP-MS de su composición indica que se trata de vidrios sódico-cálcicos fabricados con natrón como fun-dente. Sus características permiten encuadrarlos en dos de los grupos más difundidos en la antigüedad tardía: HIMT y Foy 2. El primer caso, una lámpara, podría ser resul-tado de una perduración del uso de un objeto antiguo a lo largo del tiempo tal vez relacionado con las poblaciones mozárabes y/o muladíes que habitaron el yacimiento. El segundo objeto, posiblemente una botella, fue elaborado a partir de vidrio reciclado. Sus características permiten encuadrarlo dentro del subgrupo Foy 2.2. Una compo-sición poco frecuente también documentada en Francia e Italia cuya cronología suele situarse entre la segunda mitad del siglo VII y finales del siglo VIII d.C.
Con el volumen Tawā’if. Historia y Arqueología de los reinos de taifas, el primero de carácter global dedicado a esta temática, se pretende arrojar luz a una etapa que tradicionalmente se ha situado en los márgenes más oscuros de la Historia de al-Andalus y, sobre la que, desde hace unas décadas, han comenzado a florecer estudios especializados.
Se apuesta aquí por una aproximación pluridisciplinar, incluyéndose capítulos sobre aspectos histórico-cronísticos, literarios, numismáticos, epigráficos y, por supuesto, arqueológicos. Se trata, pues, de un volumen plural en cuanto a las ciencias y a la procedencia de los autores y autoras que en él participan. Así, se abordan todas las grandes áreas geográficas andalusíes: del Garb al Šarq y de la frontera superior al mar Mediterráneo.
Conscientes de que, al igual que para reconstruir un mosaico debe conocerse en detalle cada una de sus teselas, solo partiendo de un análisis exhaustivo y multidisciplinar de cada uno de los microestados taifas se podrá perfeccionar nuestra visión global sobre el siglo XI y cumplir así con el que debe ser nuestro fi n último: establecer las claves de las dinámicas socioeconómicas, políticas y culturales de su evolución.
Cap. 2. La Vega Baja en época visigoda: Una investigación arqueológica en construcción.
Cap. 3. ¿De complejo palatino visigodo a arrabal islámico?
Cap. 4. La cultura material de la Vega Baja.
Cao. 5. Vega Baja, arqueología, ciudad y paisaje.""
This video conference took place on November 18, 2022 in Izmir, Turkey with an archaeological excursion to the sites and museums within the city of Izmir on November 19. All the lectures and discussions in our e-conference were on Zoom and in English, and were recorded for later viewing on YouTube for participants who were unable to attend the live performance presentation. The symposium was first announced in May 2022. Between May and September 2022 there were more than ten paper applications from six countries, including – in alphabetical order – Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Turkey and U.S.A., ten of which were accepted. Three speakers held their lectures both physically in Izmir and virtually on Zoom; the rest of the papers were presented on Zoom. Session 1 was organized in the Main Conference Hall of the Faculty of Letters in Tınaztepe Campus (in Block C), and Session 2 was organized in the office of Professor Laflı. This book was arranged mainly in November 2022 where papers were placed in order by speakers’ turns at the conference. It was constantly being updated in its online version on our Academia account. It is also published by the Press House of the Dokuz Eylül University in December 2022.
This first symposium on the archaeology of western Anatolia is dedicated to the 20th death anniversary of Professor Ekrem Akurgal, founder of modern Turkish archaeology, who passed away on November 1st, 2002.
Records of the e-conference in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1o__WLJLyM