Neutron activation and X-ray fluorescence analyses of Early Roman Age Bohemian artifacts

Composition of more than 500 metallic artifacts was studied by means of INAA and XRF, including 404 objects of copper alloys. Analyses proved not only use of specialized bronze alloys in the imported Roman vessels, but also use of very pure brass with average content of 20% zinc in the production of decorative brooches, especially in the 1st century A.D. These artifacts were evidently made on the Bohemian territory, but raw brass was probably imported from the Roman provinces. Common products are mostly made of mixed materials possibly recycling old objects and using local raw materials.