## 5 Conclusions  
In this paper, several archaeometric methods, including wavelength dispersion X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), FT-IR spectroscopy,  
Figure 9: The chromatic parameters of the investigated samples. Raman spectroscopy, and the thermogravimetric analyses (TG/TDG) were used to obtain archaeometric data from ceramic fragments at the Dudesti archaeological site in the Oltenia region of Romania. Moreover, the textural properties of the samples, and the chromatic parameters were measured completing the analytical methods. Based on our previous expertise on ceramic artifacts, these archaeometric methods, applied to the samples of ceramic fragments collected from the studied region, are reported for the first time in the specialized literature. The data obtained from the analysis of ceramic fragments from the Dudesti archaeological site in Romania provide valuable insights into the composition of the ceramics. The presence of quartz, feldspars, muscovite, and small amounts of organic components suggests a specific manufacturing process and raw material selection. The high plasticity of the paste, along with the presence of hematite/goethite and calcite in low concentrations, indicates a complex composition that likely required specific firing techniques. The identification of non-calcareous clay based on the low concentrations of calcium further enhances our understanding of the production methods used by ancient potters at the site. Iron oxides have a crucial role in the firing process of ceramics, with the presence or absence of oxygen impacting the color of the final product. Firing iron-rich clay under reducing conditions results in blackened samples, while firing under oxidative conditions yields reddish hues. The identification of hematite and gypsum as red and white pigments, and the presence of oil compounds used as primers for decorative painting using the dry oil technique, further enriches our understanding of the ancient pottery production techniques. On the ceramic surface, there were still oil traces that suggested certain oil compounds had been used before painting. The band from 1870 cm\({}^{-1}\) put into evidence the presence of cyclopropenoid compounds, which may have originated from fatty acids, according to the analysis. The composition of the clay emphasizes the local manufacture of Neolithic pottery in the Dudesti region by implying a direct link between the pottery and a local source. It was discovered that Dudesti ceramics fired at a constant 200-600 \({}^{\circ}\)C, with a maximum firing temperature of 600 \({}^{\circ}\)C. The firing conditions had an impact on the colors of the ceramics, demonstrating careful control over the firing process to produce desired color outcomes. The ceramics produced required an oxidizing firing, in order to maintain the color of the pigments, especially the red engobes, rich in iron oxides that decorated them. This aspect denotes the possibility of manipulating the combustion in such a way that, in the same type of installation, both a reducing and an oxidizing combustion could be obtained. As a useful basis for archaeological investigations, the results obtained validate the usefulness of the analytical methods employed as a suitable approach for obtaining results of fundamental and practical importance. Conceptualization, R.-M.I. and A.-E.P. ; methodology, R.-M.I. ; software, R.-M.I. ; validation, R.-M.I. and A.-E.P. ; formal analysis, R.-M.I. ; investigation, R.-M.I., L.I., R.M.G., G.V., A.I.G., S.S.-T. and E.A. ; resources, R.-M.I. ; data curation, R.-M.I. ; writing--original draft preparation, R.-M.I. ; writing--review and editing, R.-M.I. and A.-E.P. ; visualization, R.-M.I., supervision, R.-M.I. and A.-E.P. ; project administration, R.-M.I. ; funding acquisition, R.-M.I. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.