ISIS Heritage Science Highlights

Heritage Science Highlights

The neutron diffraction instruments at ISIS (such as Gem, Polaris, Ines, Engin-X) can measure the crystal structure, non-destructively, right through an intact archaeological artefact or art object. IMAT, our neutron imaging instrument, can non-destructively image samples.

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source has studied a variety of objects from 12,000 year old prostate stones to ancient swords. Find out more information on why our facility is perfect for heritage science studies here. Browse our heritage science highlights below:

Confiscated Iron Age Iranian swords proven to be pastiches with advanced scanning technique
For the first time, an imaging method has been used to investigate Iron Age bronze Iranian swords, revealing significant modern modifications that prove the weapons have been altered to increase their commercial value in the illicit antiquities market.
First Neutron-Based analysis of Ancient Chinese Arrowheads
In a first-of-its-kind investigation, Chinese researchers have analysed 2000-year-old arrowheads using neutron diffraction and tomography at ISIS.
Neutrons reveal new insights about the alloys and metallurgy of The Vittoria Alata
Using the INES and IMAT Instruments at ISIS, a group of Italian researchers unearthed manufacturing techniques behind a Brescia’s beloved symbol.
Historical insight gained by a mosaic of experimental techniques
Using a range of different methods, including multiple ISIS beamlines, Giulia Marcucci has investigated what the ancient glassmakers used to create a variety of colours in ancient mosaic tiles.
Discovering the craftmanship secrets behind early Iron Age bronze artefacts
Neutron imaging and diffraction reveals the hidden secrets behind the manufacturing techniques of Sardinian craftmanship from the early Iron Age
Muons could shed light on the economy of the Early Middle Ages
A team from the US and UK analysed the composition of a collection of ~70 coins with the hope of learning more about the economy of King Eadberht’s reign.
Measuring 15th century gold samples from the Baptistery Gates of Florence
A long-term collaboration using our muon facility continues to reveal fascinating insights into the manufacture of one of the famous depictions of the Old Testament.
Could the first synthetic pigment be on a revival tour?
Researchers from the Aveiro Institute of Materials and ISIS created a new model of cuproriviate, commonly known as Egyptian Blue, through experimental and computational methods.
Cycle Highlights - Summer 2023
As always, this ISIS experimental cycle has been an incredible, varied display of scientific experiments! Let us take a look back at some of the work our users were investigating this time…
Artworks and manuscripts at ISIS; protecting our view of history.
Samples of painting canvases and parchment were brought to IMAT ISIS by researchers from the universities of Toronto and London (Birkbeck) to test out their conservation methods inspired by nature.
Mummified lizard offerings brought to ISIS
Ancient Egyptian lizard coffins from the British Museum were brought to ISIS to investigate their contents with neutron imaging.
Cycle Highlights!
During our last cycle the users were pulling out all the stops in every corner of science. Here are just a few select highlights of the research we have had going on at the facility during the last couple of months.
Investigating hydration in ancient egyptian leathers
New research from our ISIS@MACH ITALIA collaboration has uncovered information on the hydration levels in a collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
The ‘Year of Four Emperors’ told through Rome’s gold coins
A new study has allowed the non-destructive investigation of Ancient Roman gold coins to reveal the economic chaos caused during the ‘Year of the Four Emperors’.
Studying the impact of gunfire on heritage sites
Researchers have used Engin-X to help them understand the extent of gunfire damage to historic buildings during periods of conflict, which will inform how best to restore them.
Elemental imaging on INES: a test on ancient Chinese sword fragments
Two ancient Chinese sword fragments have been characterised in unprecedented detail thanks to the combination of two neutron techniques on the INES beamline at ISIS.
Uncovering how sand saved ancient helmets from degrading underwater
Insights from neutron experiments have enabled scientists to understand how a pair of ancient helmets survived in good condition underwater for so long.
Roman coin study reveals thriving empires
A study of gold coins from different moments of the Roman Empire have revealed the thriving economy at the time of minting.
How crumpling helmets protected Samurai warriors from bullets
Engin-X reveals microstructural details that show one type of Samurai helmet protected their wearer from firearms in the same way as a car crumple zone.
Testing a treatment for preserving paintings
A group of scientists has developed an experimental setup on IMAT that has enabled them to test methods to prevent precious textiles from moisture damage.
Getting to the Point: Neutron analysis of Bronze Age swords reveals how they were used
Neutron analysis using GEM has brought us a step closer to defining the moment in European history that the primary use of metal-hilted swords switched from stabbing to cut-and-thrust combat.
Muons probe beneath the surface without leaving a scratch
Scientists at ISIS have developed a technique that will allow them to probe the composition of archaeological objects in three dimensions – even deep beneath the surface – without so much as leaving a scratch on the precious artefact.
Understanding Viking sword-making techniques
Using neutron diffraction at ISIS to investigate pattern-welding on Viking swords.
Neutrons and muons: history, mystery and science meet
It seems strange to consider that neutrons and muons, discovered in the 1930s, should be used to investigate artefacts dating as far back as 10,000 BCE, however such work has been done here at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
Neutrons probe ancient metal reinforcement from one of the largest cathedrals in the world
Researchers have used neutrons to non-destructively study an ancient tie rod from Milan Cathedral, which was a fundamental support to one of the largest churches in the world.
The sword and the neutron - specific use of Bronze Age Swords confirmed by neutron technology
Scientists have been using the latest science to reveal the specific usage of Bronze Age swords dating back to 1400 BCE.
The ISIS Society Impact Award– utilising neutrons for non-invasive analysis of arms and armour
The winners of the ISIS Society Impact Award demonstrated the value of neutron techniques for the non-invasive study of irreplaceable historical objects; and some of the most important objects in English history may now be candidates for analysis at ISIS.
Neutron techniques used to study 1400 BC grave goods from Egyptian tomb
Scientists have used neutron tomography on IMAT and Engin-X to non-invasively investigate the content of two artefacts from the tomb of ‘Kha and Merit’, a married couple who walked the streets of Ancient Egypt over 3000 years ago.
Texture analysis of Napoleonic war era copper bolts
In recognition of the 2018 Year of Engineering, this science highlight focuses on exciting historical research undertaken using ENGIN-X, a dedicated engineering science facility at ISIS.
No stone left unturned to solve 12,000-year-old medical mystery
A mystery surrounding three stone-like objects found within the pelvic region of a 12,000-year-old human skeleton has been solved thanks to the analytical capability of the UK’s neutron beam research facility.
Probing the past with negative muons
Using negative muons as a tool for elemental analysis is now possible at ISIS.
Detecting hidden patterns on ancient swords
Hidden ‘Damascus’ patterns in the steel used to make ancient Indo-Persian swords and daggers are being uncovered by collaborators from London’s Wallace Collection and CNR, Italy, during neutron diffraction experiments at ISIS.
One coin’s loss is another coin gained
Neutrons reveal the loss of silver through time in ancient Celtic coins
ISIS prescribes Engin-X for Oxfordshire artefacts
Neutron diffraction measurements can benefit the conservation of irreplaceable artefacts.
Probing the past
The study of ancient artefacts is complicated by the desire not to change or damage the objects in any way.
Pistols at dawn: science versus oral history
Neutron techniques reveal the history of of two pistols.
Ancient weapons technology studied on ENGIN-X
Investigating ancient weapons
Case study: ISIS shoots down pistol theory
ISIS helps archeologists understand the origins of important relics.