Mössbauer study of Haltern 70 amphora sherds from Castro do Vieito, North of Portugal

Haltern 70 amphora sherds obtained from Castro do Vieito were studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. In all our samples non magnetic Fe³⁺ haematite species were found. In some samples, also Fe²⁺ was found. We conclude that the samples were fired under changing atmosphere, air being admitted at the end of the firing cycle following firing in a reducing atmosphere.