Typological and production-technological study of selected finds decorated with the mosaic enamel technique in the 2nd–3rd century AD

The article focuses on a specific group of Roman Period finds from Bohemia with mosaic or millefiori enamel decorations. The study examines various artefacts, including disc fibulae, balteus fittings, glass beads, and a seal box, all identified as Roman-provincial imports. Disc fibulae adorned with millefiori enamel have been discovered throughout the Barbaricum, with notable concentrations in the Tisza and Elbe river regions. Although Roman-provincial circular balteus fittings are less common, recent discoveries in Bohemia have expanded their known distribution. Both fibulae and balteus fittings predominantly date to the period surrounding the Marcomannic Wars and the first half of the 3rd century AD. Glass beads are typical grave goods in women's burials from the Late Roman Period. Mosaic glass beads, though less common, are primarily found in rich female graves dating to the 3rd century AD. A central aim of this study is to investigate and compare the production technologies employed in creating millefiori enamels. To achieve this, analytical methods such as micro-XRF, SEM/EDS, and LA-ICP-MS were utilised to determine the composition of the glass and metal substrates. Additionally, the design of selected glass beads was examined using computed micro-tomography (micro-CT) scanning.