Protohistoric Vitreous Materials and Synthetic Analogues: Study of Chemico-Physical and Rheological Properties.

The experimental measurements of the rheological properties of selected archaeological glasses are presented, and compared to the experimental values obtained on synthetic analogues. The data, measured both by monitored hot stage and high-temperature rheometer, allow for the first time to asses the physical and working properties of protohistoric glasses. A preliminary interpretation of the compositional evolution of Bronze Age glasses is proposed, based on their rheological properties. The data indicate that the mean compositions of most common ancient glasses are close to the compositions having the best working properties.