Groundbreaking Imaging Technology Unveils Secrets of Ancient Roman Harbour Structures in Naples!

In an incredible archaeological breakthrough, a collection of rare wooden structures dating back to the 3rd century CE has been uncovered in Naples, Italy, originating from the Roman Empire. These fascinating remnants were examined using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, a method now likened to the MRI scans utilized in hospitals for detailed imaging, proving essential in unearthing historical secrets without causing damage to fragile artifacts.

These wooden pieces were part of an ancient pier that constituted a significant Roman harbour, discovered during construction for a new metro line in Naples. The significance of these findings led to a rerouting of the metro line, now running beneath the archaeological site, ensuring the preservation of this historic treasure.

Dr. Otto Mankinen, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu, noted the rarity of finding ancient organic materials like wood, stating, "Usually, these structures degrade over time, but the unique conditions provided by the local aquifer have preserved these piers remarkably well."

The advanced NMR spectroscopy employed in this research does not inflict harm on the wood samples, making it an invaluable tool for historians and archaeologists. Traditional methods like X-ray and light microscopy often involve damaging the samples, and in this case, could have posed severe risks to the delicate, spongy remains of the ancient wood. The study ensured that the samples were analyzed while still submerged in conditions similar to their ancient watery home, offering insights into how wood can decay over time and revealing the intricate structural changes it undergoes in an aquatic environment.

This pioneering study represents one of the first applications of a four-pronged NMR approach, incorporating relaxometry, micro-imaging, diffusometry, and cryoporometry, allowing researchers to compare archaeological wood samples of spruce, chestnut, and maple with their contemporary counterparts.

"The ongoing research at the University of Oulu has long focused on wood analysis," Dr. Mankinen explained. "Ideally, we would utilize mobile NMR equipment directly on-site at historical discoveries, as these artifacts are often too fragile to transport." Excitingly, this study could pave the way for the development of portable NMR instruments, making them accessible for fieldwork.

In recent years, NMR technology has advanced significantly, becoming faster, more sensitive, and smaller in scale. These innovations promise exciting possibilities, with applications extending into diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, biochemistry, and even the construction industry, as highlighted by an upcoming thesis from the University of Oulu expected to make waves in December 2024.

The collaborative research effort, "Comprehensive characterization of waterlogged archaeological wood by NMR relaxometry, diffusometry, micro-imaging, and cryoporometry," was developed in partnership with researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and is set to be published in the prestigious journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics later in October 2024.

With technology such as NMR techniques, we are now equipped to uncover the mysteries of our past without compromising the integrity of invaluable historical artifacts. This advance heralds a new era of archaeological exploration—who knows what other secrets lie beneath our feet? Stay tuned for further revelations!