Golden Amulet-boxes and their Contents from the Excavations of the Roman Time Burial Ground Frontovoe 3

Abstract

This article is devoted to the results of a comprehensive study of the finds of three gold amulet-boxes with preserved contents from the excavations of the Roman time burial ground Frontovoe 3 (Nakhimovsky district of Sevastopol). For amulets, an analysis of the chemical composition of gold was performed by XRF, and their structural elements were studied by neutron tomography (especially the soldered areas). Analysis of the internal contents, preserved in all three amulet-boxes, was carried out by neutron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. As a result, it was found that sulfur (α-S8) was inside the sealed amulet-boxes. In our opinion, the sulfur placed inside the amulet-boxes performed several functions, primarily ritual: it endowed the object with properties that protect against evil forces. At the same time, filling the hollow amulets with sulfur created a frame for the item, allowing it to remain intact for a long time and serve as an excellent piece of jewelry.