Archaeometric analysis of metal artifacts of Ancient Knidos/Burgaz excavation

The archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Burgaz/Datça-Turkey, which has been regularly carried out since 1993, have been explored. In this thesis, it is aimed to investigate non - graded metal works which were found during the archeological studies of 1996-2016 excavation season. For that purpose, non-destructive analyses were performed, Portable Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (P-EDXRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX), for non-classified 48 pieces metal works which are not suitable for exhibition. All the unclassified metal artifacts analyzed belong to the ancient city of Burgaz (Palaia Knidos) uncovered between 1996-2016 in the South East (SE) and North East (NE) sectors at unearthed in different times, different trenches and at different depths are studied in thesis. The examples are considered to be dated to the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Many analysis methods and techniques are used for characterization historical and archaeological artifacts. In this study, non-destructive analysis methods preferred in archeometry are used and techniques that can be obtained from the work without any damage are discussed. By using the P-EDXRF analysis method, the chemical composition of the artifacts can be determined and the elements of these works and the elementary percentages of the works have been obtained. Beside SEM-EDX analysis provides comprehensive information about the technology and production techniques of metal works of the ancient city of Burgaz. In both analysis types, the main raw material of 48 non – classified metal samples were found to be, but the samples were high - tin - alloyed. In addition, high and small amounts of lead alloys were detected in some of these high tinned metal samples. In addition, these samples were found to contain low and trace amounts of iron. Considering the SEM images, it was deduced that the samples were produced by casting technique because of the absence of any minting traces.