The pigments and the plasters of the Roman frescoes discovered at the
House of Diana (Cosa, Grosseto, Italy) were analysed using
non-destructive and destructive mineralogical and chemical techniques.
The characterization of both pigments and plasters was performed through
optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe
analysis. The pigments were identified by Raman spectroscopy and
submitted to stable isotope analysis. The results were integrated with
the archaeological data in order to determine and reconstruct the
provenance, trade patterns and the employment of the raw materials used
for the elaboration of the frescoes.