Trace Elements and Uranium Isotopes Analyses of Ancient Pottery Shards

This study examines the analysis of trace elements and uranium isotopes in ancient pottery shards obtained from archaeological sites in Jordan, specifically from Tell al-Husn and Al-Karak, spanning historical periods from the Roman, Umayyad, Nabatean, to Islamic eras. The concentrations of 20 elements, including Ni, Cu, V, Cr, La, Ce, Nd, Th, Mg, Ti, Mn, Co, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Sn, Ba, Pb, and U, were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, alpha spectroscopy techniques were utilized to measure uranium isotopes (234U and 238U). The analysis revealed higher concentrations of most trace elements in Roman and Nabatean samples, with lead exhibiting particularly elevated values in the Islamic era. Conversely, uranium isotope concentrations remained relatively consistent across all historical periods. This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of ancient civilizations and their material culture, highlighting the importance of nuclear techniques in archaeological research.