Studies in organic archaeometry II: Analysis of the ancient content of a flask excavated in Troia

Abstract

Potsherds of a flask excavated in the ruins of a Late Bronze Age house of Troia VI were analyzed for the ancient content. Traces of lipids were found and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography: lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid were identified - a mixture in which palmitic and stearic acid were the major components. All of these compounds survived predominantly as free fatty acids as well as in form of their salts. Since the form of the flask with a narrow mouth only allowed its use for keeping liquids, it can be assumed that the ancient content was either olive oil or milk; and the presence of lower-chain fatty acids is giving preference to milk.