Researchers analysed ash residues from two incense burners found in Pompeii and a nearby villa. They used modern laboratory methods and biomolecular tests to study the dark remains inside the vessels.
The analyses identified both local plant remains and materials that came from farther away. In one burner the team found an exotic tree resin probably from tropical Africa or Asia. Molecular tests also detected a grape product in one incense burner, which fits with known Roman use of wine in rituals.
Difficult words
- analyse — look at something carefully to learn about itanalysed
- residue — small part left after a process or useresidues
- incense burner — vessel used to burn aromatic materialsincense burners
- biomolecular — about molecules in living things
- exotic — from far away and not common locally
- resin — sticky plant substance often from trees
- detect — to find or notice something presentdetected
- ritual — a traditional action done for a purposerituals
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think people in ancient Rome used wine in rituals?
- Have you ever seen an incense burner? Where did you see it?
- Does it surprise you that materials came from far away to Pompeii? Why or why not?
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