Probing archaeological and artistic solid materials by spatially resolved analytical techniques

The study of ancient works-of-art and archaeological remains requires the u se of analytical methods which minimise the impact on the integrity of the object. Spatially resolved analytical methods have significantly enhanced o ur capacity to study ancient material since they cause minimal and at times no damage to the studied object. They have also amplified the range of ana lytical information we can extract from ancient and valuable objects. Here we provide an overview of the recent achievements in the knowledge of the p ast obtained thanks to the use of a variety of spatially resolved analytica l methods.