Differently Calenian: A multi-analytical approach for the characterization of coarse ware from Cales (South Italy)

A selection of 46 ceramic fragments of common cookware, internal red slip ware, thin-walled pottery imitation, dolium and production indicators recovered at the archaeological site of Cales (South Italy), all characterized by a coarse-grained structure, were subjected to a program of multi-analytical investigations (PLM, FESEM/EDS, XRPD, TG-DSC, XRF). Among the materials under study, the production indicators, represented by wastes of common cookware and supports, attests a local production. Thin-section analysis shows that almost all samples have an optical active matrix except for the production indicators. The inclusions consist of feldspar, quartz, clinopyroxene, mica, lithic fragments of volcanic nature (fragments of trachyte) and juveniles (pumices and glass shards). The XRPD confirms the thin section observation and reveals the presence of neoformed Ca-silicates in the supports and dolium samples. Most of the samples show a Ca-poor composition and an extreme compositional homogeneity, which is in line with the chemical composition of the production indicators. The supports and dolium samples, on the contrary, show a Ca-rich composition. The geochemical comparisons with some Ca-rich and Ca-poor Campanian clay materials show a good affinity with alluvial clay sediments of the Volturnum river plain.