FTIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis of Late Roman ceramics from Anemurium (Cilicia Tracheia): Mineralogical characterization and technological insights

This study presents the first comprehensive archaeometric investigation of Late Roman ceramics from Anemurium (Cilicia Tracheia, southern Türkiye) using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis. A total of 215 ceramic sherds representing diverse functional groups were analyzed through second-derivative FTIR spectroscopy, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The assemblage is characterized by quartz–feldspar–illite-dominated fabrics, limited carbonate preservation, and firing temperatures generally exceeding 800–850 °C under predominantly oxidizing conditions. Chemometric analyses revealed a largely homogeneous mineralogical composition with only minor compositional outliers, suggesting relatively standardized raw-material selection and firing practices. Comparison with contemporary assemblages from Alahan, Olba, and Cyprus indicates that Anemurium maintained a distinctive technological tradition and likely constituted an important regional center for ceramic production during the Late Roman period.