Investigation of Ancient Wall Painting Fragments Discovered in the Roman Baths from Alburnus Maior by Complementary Non-Destructive Techniques

In this study, several wall painting fragments discovered in the Roman baths from the archeological site Alburnus Maior (Roşia Montană, Romania) were analyzed with the aim to investigate the material composition of both plasters and pictorial layers. Dated from the beginning of the second century AD, these rare findings stand among the oldest examples of preserved decorative polychrome paintings on plaster excavated thus far in the former territory of the Roman province of Dacia. A non-destructive multi-analytical approach based on complementary techniques was considered: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). The obtained results highlight a common Roman color palette mainly based on naturally occurring earth pigments. Red ochre, yellow ochre, manganese-rich ochres/wads, carbon black, and calcite were identified. A traditional two-layer sequence of plasters was found—arriccio (based on lime and siliceous sands), and intonaco (pure lime). The presence of an organic protein binder, identified via FTIR analysis, and sustained by combined imaging documentation, indicates that the pigments were applied a secco. The obtained results are discussed in relation to previous published data, and they can be considered as valuable archeological indicators that contribute to the understanding of the painting techniques and the materials used in the Roman provinces.

HARMONIOUS PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT STUDY OF FIRST GRADE PUPILS

The harmony of the physical body development of human beings and working constantly since antiquity, became part of the educational ideal in Greece (KALOSKAGATHON - Nice man and good) or the Roman baths. (Mens sana in corpore sano - Juvenal). In this study we aimed to accomplish finding harmonious physical development of students in preparatory class at Secondary School No. 16 in Bucharest. Objectives of the study is to determine the factors that influence the physical, cognitive and psycho social development of 6-7 years pupils. The methods used in this study are: the literature, teaching observation, measurement method, statistical and mathematical methods of data processing and interpretation. Observations and measurements carried out proves that the psychological and physical development of students are below the required values corresponding to their age which shows lack of physical activity practice by not participating actively in physical education lessons and the lack of games and recreational activities in free time. In a study conducted we have concluded that the introduction of three hours of physical education, as required by law, it is imperative that all pupils benefit from a harmonious physical development. Moreover families and schools are responsible for pupils' participation in physical activity, especially in the form of age-specific play.

setifian roman basins

It was by serendipity, during a survey aimed at determining the course of an underground source by employees of the municipality of Sétif in 1907, that the beautiful monument was discovered at a depth of three meters of the “Roman basins” of Sétif (Algeria)[1]. The architecture of this site caught the attention of both elected officials and the public, and led to considering its conservation. Located in the Rafaoui garden (former Barral garden)[2], it represents one of the most beautifully preserved open-air monuments in this city. However, it remains a subject of controversy as to its "origin"[3]. The present work seeks to weave a portrait of the model, which will provide us with the arguments necessary for its "identification", and thus brought a correction on its name, and at the same time justify the action of a support for its conservation[4]. [1] This source feeds the two main and famous fountains of this city (Ain Fouara & Ain Droudj), located in a part known for its wealth of Roman remains. (Elizabeth Fenteress, Paul-Albert Février, Anissa Mohamedi, 1984). [2] Since this discovery, the site has been laid out as an "open-air museum garden", displaying this unearthed archaeological treasure. [3] Improperly called nowadays "Roman baths", instead of "nymphs", and this is what we are going to dismantle. [4] In our situation, the question of heritage is no longer posed only in terms of preservation, but also in terms of integration into the changing urban environment, which is another form of "valorisation".

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Light

The notion has made its way into the public consciousness that there is a mystery about how the ancient Egyptians could have provided light deep in their rock-cut tombs for artisans who carved and painted the rock to work by. There is no evidence, this theory says, of soot or other residue from torches on the ceilings. Did the ancient Egyptians use electric lights? Or did they use a series of cascaded mirrors to direct light into tombs? In a similar vein, did the classical Roman Baths of Caracalla have mirrors to direct light into them?