# The Interdisciplinary Approach of Some Middle Bronze Age Pottery from Eastern Romania
## 3 Results and Discussions
### Interdisciplinary Analyses
#### 3.2.2 SEM-EDX Analyses  
The SEM-EDX analyses were performed both on the core and on the surfaces, keeping the notations from the OM analyses. The SEM micrographs for the core of the Costisa samples (Figures 7 and 8) show a good homogeneity of the microstructural elements, which are well incorporated in the clay matrix (L1, L4). A compact lamellar structure was also visible (L8). In most samples (L2, L3, L5, L6, L7, L9, L10), individualized mineral particles are visible, with a low homogeneity, and in other samples, traces of vegetal fibers were noticed (L7, L10), aspects that suggest relatively low firing temperatures. The SEM images also show elongated and flattened pores, present in five samples (L1, L5, L8, L9, L10), which indicate using the coiling technique in making the vessels [29]. SEM analyses of the surfaces revealed the presence of luster (Figures 7 and 8). This type of treatment closes ceramic pores, making the vessel walls smooth and waterproof, as noticed in the case of vessels L1, L2, L3 for the exterior and L7 for the interior. The rest of the ceramic fragments have well-smoothed surfaces, with partially covered pores and individualized mineral particles. In the case of samples L2E+I, L3I, L4E+I, L7E+I and L8E, fine cracks are visible on the surfaces, which may have resulted from using the vessel. Such traces that represent indicators of functionality are also the carbon deposits [30] on the outer surfaces of vessels L3 and L7. The SEM micrographs for Monteoru sample L11 (Figure 9) indicate a good homogeneity, with mineral elements well incorporated in the clay mass. Carbon deposits are visible on the outer surface of the fragment, and the black layer was observed on the inside. Figure 7: SEM micrographs for the Costisa ceramic fragments (L1–L5) from Piatra Neamt–_Lutarie._SEM analyses of the ceramic paste indicated that most of the samples have a low homogeneity, and the component microstructures were well individualized. The vitrification process was not observed in any sample, an indication that the firing temperatures have not exceeded 800-850 \({}^{\circ}\)C [31; 32; 33]. For five ceramic fragments, it was confirmed by SEM using the coiling technique in vessel manufacturing, a fact observed macroscopically for all vessels. EDX analyses for ceramic paste were performed for all 11 samples taken from the Piatra Neamt-_Lutarie_. The chemical composition of the studied fragments contains the common elements found in clays, such as Si, Al, P, Mg, Ca, K, Na, Fe, Ti, O or C [34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39]. The elements that are of interest in archaeometric studies are iron, calcium, phosphorus and calcium. Figure 8: SEM micrographs for the Costisa ceramic fragments (L6–L10) from Piatra Neamt–_Lutarie_. Figure 9: SEM micrographs for Monteoru sample L11 (**a,b**) details for the inner residues. and carbon (Table 1). In pottery studies, these elements are considered significant because their presence in certain concentrations allows arguments about the type of clay (Fe > 4% ferruginous clay, Ca > 5% calcareous clay), the firing temperature (C is found in samples up to 750 \({}^{\circ}\)C, and its presence in high concentration on the inner surface of the vessel may be due to the nature of the goods stored in the vessel) and the functionality of the vessels (the presence of P> 2% demonstrates that the vessels were used in food preparation). The presence of iron and/or calcium indicates the nature of the clay used, which can be ferruginous (4%) [36; 37; 38; 39] or calcareous (5%) [31; 40]. The analyzed samples have iron values from 3.42% to 5.97%, which suggests using ferruginous clay in vessel manufacturing. Calcium is present in all samples, with concentrations not exceeding 2.70%, so the presence of a calcareous clay is not detected. The Monteoru fragment (L11) has a higher calcium content (4.13%), indicating a possible low calcareous clay. Phosphorus values higher than 2% result from using a vessel for boiling or for storing liquids rich in phosphorus [41; 42; 43].